On 26 June 2019, David Silva announced he’d be leaving Manchester City at the end of the current season, bringing an end to a decade spent at the Etihad.
Silva arrived at the Etihad back in 2010 – joining a very different team to the one he will leave – and has enjoyed ten years of sheer excellence during his time in Manchester, winning four Premier Leagues among other trophies.
The attacking midfielder has been a hugely influential figure in City’s greatest-ever football team and his exit will be a significant loss for the club in more way than one.
Sorry but David Silva is a true @premierleague great. Have so much respect for him. Admire his character and ability. Genius at work and will miss watching him, won’t miss playing against him whatsoever ????
— James Maddison (@Madders10) July 15, 2020
The announcement came shortly after another newly minted City legend, Vincent Kompany, left the club following 11 years in Manchester and while the Belgian’s decision to leave the club felt right, after years of injury issues and waning on-field impact, Silva’s exit is the complete opposite.
The Spaniard has shown this season he still has an incredible amount to offer the Citizens and could be vital for the club’s attempt at regaining their Premier League title from rivals Liverpool next season.
Throughout their struggles this year, a lot has been asked about City’s mentality, their habit of crumbling under pressure, and with a leader like Kompany departing last summer, Pep Guardiola’s side really can’t afford to lose another in the attacking midfielder.
Even at age 34, Silva has been in red hot form for the side following the Premier League’s restart, with his excellent free kick and his assist for the winner in his latest league outing against Bournemouth raising his total to six goal involvements in seven league appearances since football returned.
In fact, only Trent Alexander-Arnold and fellow Man City star Kevin De Bruyne have created more assists than Silva’s 10 in the Premier League this season.
Guardiola even praised his captain and talked up his form following the Premier League’s return in June, calling his displays ‘incredible’.
The former Valencia player is continuing to prove his ability to single-handedly win games for City. His vision is almost ageless, his footwork is still second to none and his ability to retain possession in tight spaces is breathtaking.
The 34-year-old is still one of the best players at the Etihad and is leaving the club with a lot left on the table. Yes, Guardiola has a fantastic young star lined up to fill Silva’s starting position in Phil Foden, but the Englishman too would surely benefit from another season under the Spaniard’s wing.
Even if he’s dropped from the starting lineup, Silva still has the ability to make an impact coming off the bench and the long-lasting effects his extended tutelage would have on Foden’s career could be pivotal. City’s captain is truly one of the greatest ever Premier League players, and leaving the division earlier than he should would be a huge mistake.
Although 90min understands City would be willing to bring him back next season, it seems the Spaniard’s mind is firmly set on leaving Manchester.
Guardiola even conceded defeat on the matter claiming, “He has decided to leave, he has said many times. I think he wants to finish after 10 seasons here.”
It’s a move that could damage City’s chances at snatching the Premier League crown back from Liverpool next season.
Silva’s ability to continue to consistently churn out high quality performances even into his mid-thirties makes him all the more valuable to the club and he’d be foolish to end his time in England on the relative low note of this season’s failures, especially when he still has the opportunity and talent to further his status as an all time Premier League great.
A return to Valencia is seemingly on the cards for the attacking midfielder, although there’s also interest in a potential switch to the States to join a MLS side. Regardless of what happens Silva will certainly go down as one of Manchester City’s greatest ever players, but there is still a nagging thought: why go out now when there’s more left to give?
Let’