“Because I feel…” – Manchester City legend reveals reason for Real Madrid transfer snub

Manchester City and Spain legend David Silva has revealed the reason for rejecting the chance to sign for Real Madrid in 2010.

The 37-year-old announced retirement from football in July after sustaining a devastating anterior cruciate knee ligament injury during pre-season with Real Sociedad, who the midfielder had joined on a free transfer in 2020.

Silva spent a decade at the Etihad Stadium before returning to La Liga, making 436 appearances across all competitions for Manchester City; scoring 77 goals, providing 141 assists, and winning 13 trophies.

The midfielder also boasted an incredible international career with Spain, making 125 caps and winning the European Championships twice, alongside World Cup glory in South Africa in 2010.

The Spaniard is one of three players to have an individual statue outside the Etihad Stadium, alongside Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero – with Silva’s statue unveiled in August 2021 to commemorate the 37-year-olds remarkable impact.

Silva made his debut for Manchester City against Tottenham in 2010 after the Blues beat Real Madrid to the midfielder’s signature, and in a recent interview relayed by Sport Witness, the four-time Premier League winner has revealed the reason for choosing to move to North West England.

“Firstly because they bet very hard on me. I felt their trust and support from the first call,” revealed Silva.

“Then because in those conversations they already told me that the project was going to be what it finally was. The ambition was to become one of the greats of Europe and today it is.

“[I enjoyed Manchester City] with great enthusiasm and commitment, because I feel a participant in that growth, as do all the footballers with whom I have shared a dressing room there over the years.

“I would tell you that the expectations were even higher than those I had when I arrived in Manchester.”