Man City legend David Silva forced to retire from football after brutal injury
Former Manchester City star David Silva has confirmed his retirement from football after suffering a devastating knee injury.
The Spanish international, 37, spent a decade with City after joining from Valencia in 2010. He played more than 400 times for the club, winning four Premier League titles.
Silva joined Real Sociedad upon leaving Manchester City in 2020, and was about to embark on a fourth season with the Spanish club. However, after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in a pre-season training session, he has opted to call time on his career.
The playmaker also turned out for Eibar and Celta Vigo in a 20-year playing career. He won 125 caps for Spain's senior side, winning the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
“Today is a sad day for me," Silva said. "Today it is time to say goodbye to what I have dedicated my whole life to. Today it is time to say goodbye to my colleagues, who are like family to me. I will miss you very much.
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"“Ches (Valencia), Armeros (Eibar), Celtinas (Celta Vigo), Citizens (Man City) and Txuri Urdines (Real Sociedad)…thank you because you have made me feel at home.”
A number of former team-mates have shared messages of support for Silva. Among them was former Manchester City colleague Aymeric Laporte, who shared the simple message "Leyenda, gracias por todos" ('Legend, thanks for everything)'.
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David Silva joined Real Sociedad after leaving Manchester City (@RealSociedadEN/Twitter)"Mago" (magician) wrote Riyad Mahrez, who was part of the Manchester City squad for Silva's final league title in 2018-19, referring to one of Silva's nicknames. "Thank you mago" was the reply from Edin Dzeko, who played alongside Silva for the pair's first English title win in 2011-12.
Fans have also paid their respects, emphasising the Spaniard's popularity across the footballing world. "We will miss you Silva . Thanks for what you have done for city and football," was one message.
"My favourite ever player and the best player I watched both, play for my club and in the league I watch every week," wrote another. "Thank you El Mago, the greatest."
David Silva won the first of his four Premier League titles in 2012 (Getty Images)"It is a sad day, not only for the entire txuri urdin family, but for the entire world of football," Real Sociedad wrote as part of a lengthy message on their website. "A great player with capital letters is leaving, a legend who has amazed his game wherever he has gone.
"We are touched, but we must say and we say, with immense pride, that we have enjoyed during the last three years one of the greatest talents that the history of this sport has produced. And with that we stay, with all the football he has given us, which has been a lot.
"His filtered passes, his controls, his dribbling on a tile, his unique touch and that ambition that he has shown in every play of his career has been a delight for our senses and an example for all the youngsters with whom he has shared a dressing room. Surely in Manchester, Valencia, Vigo and Eibar they think the same."
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