Manchester City legend David Silva has announced his retirement from football at the age of 37.
The Spain international has been forced to hang up his boots after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament during pre-season training with La Liga club Real Sociedad.
Silva, who made a total of 93 appearances for Sociedad over three seasons, returned to his homeland in 2020 after enjoying a hugely successful 10 years at the Etihad Stadium, establishing himself as one of the greatest playmakers to grace the Premier League and don the sky blue of Man City.
The Arguineguin-born playmaker contributed with 77 goals and 141 assists in 436 appearances for the Citizens across all competitions, including 93 Premier League assists – the seventh-most in the division's history.
Silva, whose legendary status has been honoured with a statue outside the Etihad Stadium, won four Premier League titles, five EFL Cups, two FA Cups and two Community Shield with Man City before returning to Spain three years ago.
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Prior to representing both Man City and Real Sociedad, Silva began his career with Valencia where he came through club's youth academy before recording 32 goals and 36 assists in 168 appearances between 2004 and 2010, winning the Copa del Rey in 2008.
Silva also has loan spells at Eibar and Celta Vigo during this period, while the 125-cap Spain international won three major honours with his country, lifting the 2010 World Cup in between triumphs at the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.
Nicknamed 'El Mago' (the magician), Silva has now called time on his illustrious 19-year playing career and has bid an emotional farewell to the beautiful game with a video posted on social media.
In the video, 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.
Muchas gracias...fútbol pic.twitter.com/HoB6TPojAd
— David Silva (@21LVA) July 27, 2023
"Today is the time to say goodbye to my colleagues, who are like family to me. I will miss you very much.
"Ches, Armeros, Celtinas, Citizens and Tuxri Urdines, thank you because you have made me feel at home."
Man City have reacted to Silva's retirement, saying: "Everyone at Manchester City would like to wish David all the best in his retirement and to thank him once more for the incredible contribution he made to our football club during his ten years here."
A tweet from Valencia read: "Thank you for so much, magician. Valencia and the Mestalla will always be your home. We are proud that you are part of our history."
The Spain national team Twitter account, meanwhile, posted a video in honour of the 35-goal playmaker along with the message: "Gracias for all the football you have given us @21LVA. Your magic will last forever."
Silva departs Real Sociedad after making 34 appearances across all tournaments last season, scoring three goals and providing seven assists as Imanol Alguacil's side secured fourth place in La Liga and qualification for the 2023-24 Champions League.
