BRUNO: I’LL GIVE MY PAL A BASHING

MANCHESTER CITY ace David Silva faces a bruising start to the new season – according to his friend Bruno.

Brighton’s Spanish skipper and Silva (below) were teammates at Valencia and Bruno is relishing trying to shackle his fellow countryman when they clash in their Premier League game on Saturday.

The full-back said: “It is going to be special to play against David because we were team-mates and he is a top player as well.

“Usually Silva does not lose too many balls. We need to play a hard game and make them feel so uncomfortable from the first minute.

“If I have to be physical with him, I will. I don’t want to injure him, but we need to play hard and after that play on the counter attack.”

Bruno (top) grew up adoring Pep Guardiola, but wants to make it a miserable start to the season for the City boss.

He added: “When I was young Guardiola was one of my idols because I supported Barcelona and he was 18 playing in the first team.

“I won’t feel guilty if we beat him – no chance because we want three points. This is Guardiola’s best challenge as a manager this season. But he realises already England is different.”

Brighton are favourites to return to the Championship, but Bruno reckons they can spring a surprise.

He added: “When I played for Almeria we got promoted to La Liga and everyone said we would be bottom and go down, but we finished eighth.”