[6] Also at the club, on 27 March 2002, he earned his sole cap for the Portugal national team, appearing in a 1–4 friendly home defeat against Finland.

[13] In September 2019, Silva was appointed director of academy at Spanish Segunda División club UD Almería, where his compatriot Pedro Emanuel was the coach.

[18] Days after leaving Spain, Silva was given his first top-flight job in his country, replacing Carlos Carvalhal at Rio Ave FC.

[19] In the Europa League, the team were eliminated in the playoffs by AC Milan after conceding an equaliser in the last minute of extra time and losing 9–8 on penalties.

[22] He concluded the campaign in seventh place and signed a new deal until 2024, but was dismissed from his post near the anniversary of his appointment, with the Azoreans in 15th position after as many games.