Manchester City legend David Silva announces retirement from football

David Silva has announced his retirement from professional football after suffering a serious knee injury in pre-season training.

The 37-year-old, who was part of the FIFA World Cup winning Spain team in 2010, enjoyed an incredible footballing career, including a decade at the Etihad Stadium.

Silva made over 400 appearances and won 13 trophies during his time at Manchester City, moving to Real Sociedad upon leaving the Sky Blues in 2020.

The Spaniard won four Premier League titles with City, and is one of three players to have a statue outside the Etihad Stadium; alongside Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero.

After making his debut against Tottenham in August 2010, Silva went on to register 436 appearances across all competitions, scoring 77 goals and providing 141 assists.

Silva also boasted an incredible international career, making 125 caps and winning the European Championships twice, alongside World Cup glory in South Africa.

The talented midfielder joined Manchester City from Valencia, and across his club career has made 744 appearances; scoring 121 goals and registering 194 assists.

Silva announced his retirement from football on Thursday, after recently suffering a devastating knee injury in training for Real Sociedad.

The 37-year-old sustained a ‘complicated’ anterior cruciate ligament injury, and as a result, has been forced to retire from football.

Announcing his retirement on social media, Silva said: “Today is a sad day for me, 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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