Gracias El Mago, City legend David Silva calls time on glorious 19-year career after ACL injury

Former Manchester City midfielder and club legend David Silva who was playing for La Liga side Real Sociedad since leaving has reportedly made his decision from competitive football. Silva, 37, was preparing for the upcoming 2023/24 season with Real Sociedad but unfortunately he sustained injury in his Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Reports from his initial scans showed that he has entirely broken his ACL. In case you don’t know, ACL is the middle of the Knee which helps in the folding of our legs. David Silva was at first expected to miss the entire season but the 2010 FIFA World Cup winner with Spain will quit competitive football indefinitely because of the Injury.

He moved to Real Sociedad in 2020 after a decade long stay at Manchester City. There he won 13 English domestic trophies including 4 Premier Leagues, 2 FA Cups, 5 EFL Cups and 2 Community Shields. Though European glory eluded him but he left the club as a Legend with a Statue outside of Etihad stadium in his honor.

David Silva has retired. Legend of the game, hope he has a great retirement 💙🥲 pic.twitter.com/3xYmrQUT2W

— 17 (@DxBruyneSZN) July 21, 2023

David Silva had an equally successful time with his National team where he was a part of Spain’s golden generation. He played 125 games for Spain, scored 35 goals and won 3 Major trophies. Before winning the WC 2010 at South Africa, Silva was a part of La Roja’s 2008 UEFA Euro triumph and played a crucial role in defending the Continental championship in 2012 at Poland.

David Silva man . A timeless player . Just a comp from his first touch passing alone.

pic.twitter.com/yfZcaWfy0F

— DSK (@0161Darren) July 21, 2023

He has also been a UEFA Euros U-19 champion in 2004 and he has played more than 500 games as a Senior player. When his association with Man City came to an end, David Silva joined Sociedad as a free agent in 2020 and helped the club in winning their 1st major Spanish title since 1987 and first title since earning promotion in 2009.

David Silva, the true helping hand

Nicknamed El Mago (The Magician) for his exquisite first touch, ball movement and attack minded passing, the 37-year-old was crucial for Real Sociedad last term. He played 34 matches and made 10 goal contributions but most importantly he led Sociedad like a true leader and they eventually finished 4th in La Liga, meaning UEFA Champions League football in 2023/23 season.

It will be for the 1st time since 2013/14 that Real Sociedad will feature in Europe’s top-tier club competition. However, the saddest part here is that the man who made it possible for them will not be a part anymore. He was among those who initiated Manchester City’s rise, by helping the club win the FA Cup before landing their first Premier League title in 2011 and changing the fate of the club forever.

He made 436 appearances for City, scoring 77 goals, providing 140 assists. And in his entire club career including 2nd Division football, David Silva played 744 matches to score 121 goals and provide 194 assists. He was indeed a true helping hand wherever he went.

Gracias El Mago.