When David Silva first arrived at Manchester City in 2010, I was skeptical. I had heard great things about him, but I had also seen him play for Spain and I wasn't convinced he was the right fit for the Premier League. He was too small, too slight, and too slow. I thought he would get bullied off the ball and lost in the physicality of the English game.
I was wrong.
From the moment Silva stepped onto the pitch at the Etihad Stadium, it was clear that he was a special player. He had a vision and a touch that few others possessed. He could play incisive passes through the eye of a needle and create chances out of nothing.
Silva's best season for City came in 2011-12, when he helped the club win its first Premier League title in 44 years. He scored 15 goals and provided 21 assists in all competitions, and was named the Premier League Player of the Year. He was also a key member of the Spain team that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship.
Silva's time at City was not without its challenges. He suffered a number of injuries, and he often had to play in a variety of positions to accommodate the team's needs. But he never complained, and he always gave his all. He was a true professional, and he was loved by his teammates and the fans.
Silva left City in 2020 after ten years at the club. He is now playing for Real Sociedad in his native Spain. He may not be the same player he once was, but he is still a class act. He is a true legend of Manchester City, and he will never be forgotten.
A Personal Tribute
I have been a Manchester City fan since I was a boy. I have seen some great players play for the club, but Silva is the one who stands out. He was the player who made me fall in love with football again. He was the player who made me believe that anything was possible.
Silva's magic on the pitch was undeniable. But what I will remember most about him is his humility and his kindness. He was always willing to help others, and he always had a smile on his face. He is a true gentleman, and he is a credit to the game of football.
Thank you, David Silva. For the memories, for the magic, and for the inspiration.