July 27, 2023, was a tragic day for Manchester Metropolis followers, as membership legend David Silva formally introduced his retirement from skilled soccer [via BBC Sport].
In some ways, Silva may be seen as a precursor to Kevin De Bruyne on the coronary heart of the Sky Blues’ midfield. Just like the mercurial Belgian, Silva was all the time readily available to create possibilities for his teammates – whether or not it’s by driving by way of the center of the park with the ball or choosing out a exact go.
He performed for Manchester Metropolis for 10 fruitful years – he joined the Etihad Stadium in 2010, earlier than leaving the membership in 2020 to affix Actual Sociedad on a free switch.
In complete, the Spaniard scored 60 objectives for the Residents in 309 Premier League appearances. He was additionally an everyday within the Spanish nationwide workforce, scoring 35 objectives over the course of 12 worldwide appearances from 2006 to 2018.
In a video submit on Silva’s official social media, he stated: “In the present day is a tragic day for me. In the present day it’s time to say goodbye to what I’ve devoted my entire life to. In the present day it’s time to say goodbye to my colleagues, who’re like household to me. I’ll miss you very a lot.”
Successful his first Premier League title
Again within the 2011/12 season, Manchester Metropolis made historical past once they captured their first Premier League title in dramatic trend – coming from behind to beat Queens Park Rangers within the final minute of the marketing campaign.
Silva was a key participant for the Residents that season – arguably, at this level, he was on the peak of his powers. He scored 8 objectives in all competitions that yr – his highest scoring season, 2014/15, noticed him discover the again of the web on 12 events.
Finishing a home treble at Manchester Metropolis
Probably the most profitable season of Silva’s membership profession got here through the 2018/19 season, when Manchester Metropolis accomplished a home treble by profitable the Premier League, the FA Cup and the League Cup.
Though he was slowly being phased out of the Metropolis workforce at this stage, he nonetheless had lots to supply – he made 50 appearances on this marketing campaign, scoring 10 objectives alongside the way in which.
