Former Manchester City and Spain playmaker David Silva announced his retirement on Thursday after sustaining a serious knee injury last week.
“Today is a sad day for me. Today is time to say goodbye to what I have dedicated my whole life to,” the 37-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder said in a video posted on social media.
“Today it is time to say goodbye to my colleagues, who are like family to me. I will miss you very much,” he added.
Silva spent a decade with Manchester City after joining from Valencia in 2010, winning four Premier League titles.
Silva joined Real Sociedad upon leaving City in 2020, and was about to embark on a fourth season with the Spanish club.
He made 125 appearances for his country, winning the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
In a statement, Real Sociedad praised Silva as “a legend” and “one of the greatest talents in the history of this sport”.
💙 David Silva retires from professional football after recent injury.
869 pro apps, 156 goals, 226 assists, 20 trophies in fantastic career as top quality & class player 🪄🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/wLW763rjSQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2023
Sit back, relax and enjoy watching this magician at work 🪄
Our top 5️⃣ @21LVA moments, starting with his first Premier League goal 👇
🧵 (1/5) pic.twitter.com/p9MNDRtNOF
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 27, 2023
© Agence France-Presse