Manchester City and Spain great David Silva announces retirement from football

The 37-year-old damaged his anterior cruciate ligament during pre-season training with his current La Liga club Real Sociedad.

He has now decided to call time on a wonderful career for both Club and country and will be remembered as one of the greatest players in City's history.

Silva joined City in 2010 and spent 10 years at the Etihad Stadium helping us to a decade of success.

The Spaniard won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and five League Cups during his time in Manchester.

In total, he made 436 appearances for City, putting him 10th in the Club's all-time list while his 70 European appearances is only behind long-time team-mate Fernandinho who played two games more.

He scored 76 times including the opener in the 2019 FA Cup final at Wembley when we beat Watford 6-0.

With 121 assists in all competitions, only Kevin De Bruyne has more for City while the 93 in the Premier League is the seventh most in the history of the competition.

Silva was hugely successful with Spain, making 125 appearances, winning the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

He left City for Sociedad in 2020 and sadly his final match was behind closed doors during the Covid-19 pandemic meaning the fans were unable to say a heartfelt goodbye to their hero.

But the club celebrated his legendary contribution by building a statue outside the Etihad - along with Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany.

Announcing his retirement, Silva said: "I am a lucky man who has been able to do what he likes most: play football and play it surrounded by the best professionals, team-mates and friends you can have.

"l am sad that I cannot help la Real in this exciting season, but happy for what I have experienced through the years.

"Since I started enjoying football in my hometown, Arguinegun, I've had unforgettable moments.

"First of all with my arrival at the Valencia academy at 14 then beautiful loans in Elbar and Vigo then my consolidation in Valencia's first team, winning Copa del Rey.

"After that I had an amazing decade at Manchester City. Where I enjoyed great successes, achieving titles such as Premier leagues, FA Cups and League Cups, in a club that won my heart forever and will always be special to me.

"In addition I've been very lucky to be part of the best national team in our history, winning two European Championships and the World Cup, something that I would not have imagined in my wildest dreams.

"And to finish, my arrival in San Sebastian, where I was received as if it were home. I'm sure the team and the staff have everything it takes to bring us great results, just like we did wining the Copa del Rey and Champions League Qualification.

"Before leaving I want to end by thanking everyone who has accompanied me on this path, teammates, staff, fans.

"Special thanks must go to my family, who have always been there, in the good and most important in the bad moments.

"Without you l would never have made it. Thank you so much for everything!"