Manchester City legend David Silva has heartbreakingly announced his retirement from football, following an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The 37-year-old was thriving at Real Sociedad despite his age, but this injury has ended his swansong in Spain, and he will now hang up his boots.
Silva is a player loved by all who had the pleasure of playing with him, and messages of support have been sent his way by plenty of his ex-teammates.
This includes Riyad Mahrez, who played with Silva for two seasons following his arrival in 2018, with Silva departing in 2020.
Silva posted on Instagram confirming his news, and Mahrez, alongside current stars Aymeric Laporte and Kyle Walker, commented “mago,” which translates to “magician,” which Silva was often referred to in his playing days, and this comment was echoed by ex-City stars Edin Dzeko and Danilo.
Two City greats
Mahrez is set to depart City to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in the coming days, and whilst he may not be held in the same regard as Silva, he will still be fondly remembered as a club great.
Silva will go down as one of the greatest players and biggest legends in the history of the club, providing 77 goals and 140 assists in 436 appearances, and whilst he won less than some members of the treble-winning side, he joined early on in the club’s project to reach the top, and enjoyed a lot of glory at the Etihad Stadium.
Mahrez has played an important role in a number of trophies in recent years, and was one of the best wingers in the World at the top of his game. He scored 78 times and provided 59 assists in 236 games, and leaves as a treble-winner.
These are two players who were incredibly joyful to watch over the years, and will leave a great legacy at a club which has had a lot of world-class players in recent seasons.
