After Real Sociedad’s 0-1 away victory over Manchester United last week, midfield legend David Silva paid a visit to his statue outside of Manchester City's Etihad Stadium for the first time since leaving the club.
David Silva’s time in the north-west of England is remembered as being full of silverware, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and five Carabao Cups.
Silverware aside, the Spanish midfielder currently holds the most assists in the Premier League by any Manchester City player, tied with Kevin De Bruyne for the most assists across all competitions.
One year after his departure to Real Sociedad in August 2020, Manchester City unveiled a statue of their former club captain outside of the Etihad Stadium, as well as renaming one training pitch at the City Football Academy after him.
'El Mago' is not the only City legend to have a statue outside of their ground, with sculptures of Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany erected around the same time, as a way of paying tribute to those who helped get the club to where they are today.
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When discussing his role at Manchester City during a visit back to the club last week, David Silva recognised that the squad which accompanied him throughout his first few years took on the challenge of bringing a new style of football to the blue side of Manchester.
"It's generations isn't it,” said David Silva.
“We were the first set who were tasked with trying to change the situation the club found itself in, and now they are doing well.”
Throughout his decade at the club, David Silva played under three managers in Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini, and Pep Guardiola.
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Speaking of the latter, the now 36 year-old feels that the Catalan coach has done great work at the club, which is also aided by the quality of players brought in.
“We all know the incredible work Pep Guardiola is doing,” said the Spaniard.
“The players are also very good."
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One of these players is Erling Haaland, who has come up clutch for the Cityzens so far this season, scoring 13 goals across all competitions, with his most recent coming against his former club Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League group stage.
When discussing the Norwegian’s impact on the pitch, David Silva feels that it is good for the club, adding that he knows when to come up big for Pep Guardiola.
“Erling Haaland is scoring lots of goals, which of course is good for the team,” said the Manchester City legend.
"He's scoring in games where it's hard to find a way through.”
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Looking at Erling Haaland’s knack for scoring goals, David Silva referred to it as an innate ability, with so much left to show for.
“He's a born goalscorer, we've seen it in his previous clubs too, and here I'm sure he will do even better."
Topics: David Silva, Real Sociedad, Manchester United, Europa League, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola, Champions League
Declan Harris