Plenty of Manchester City fans were left crushed by reports that David Silva has reaffirmed his intentions to leave the club this summer.
Speaking to Spanish media outlet AS [via Manchester Evening News], the 34-year-old confirmed that he is sticking with his plans to move on from the Etihad Stadium in the next few weeks, having first announced last year that he intended to complete one final season to complete a decade at the club.
According to Manchester Evening News, the Spaniard is expected to sign a short-term deal that will keep him at the club beyond his current contract expiry on 30 June in order to finish out this coronavirus-disrupted season. However, with matches almost certain to be played behind closed doors, City fans will not have the chance to say farewell to Silva in person before he departs.
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The midfielder, who arrived from Valencia in 2010 and has since won 13 trophies and scored 74 goals in 424 games for the club, told AS: “When I say one thing, I move forward. I am sorry, I have been here ten years and I have fulfilled what I wanted.
“The cycle closes here, but I will always keep this club in mind for everything I have lived. From the first moment people have treated me incredible. Here they have a great respect for you, people give admiration towards you. Now my family and I need another challenge.”
These Manchester City fans on Twitter paid tribute to Silva, described by one supporter as “the greatest ever”, after he confirmed his departure from the Etihad this summer:
https://twitter.com/nxraag/status/1263046053202472961
https://twitter.com/classic_cityzen/status/1263048295426830337
Was sad when yaya left, heartbroken when vinny left but this one may just cripple man. TBE https://t.co/w8cenGLaO0
— Dan (@DanMcfc_) May 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/jackcainus/status/1263059763975380992
The greatest to ever put on a city shirt. Don’t think we’ll see anyone like you ever again pic.twitter.com/GNZl4UF43K
— Sagar (@sagarmcfc) May 20, 2020
😭😭😭
— Mark N (@mark_n0) May 20, 2020
The most talented footballer I’ve ever seen play for City. He’s done so much for this club. Now if the right time for him to go with his reputation as a player right at the top still in tact. Will be very weird seeing him in another team’s kit.
— Goater’s Motors (@goatersmotors) May 20, 2020
Man City fans, how difficult will it be for the club to adequately replace Silva after he leaves? Share your views in the comments section below!
