Spanish international David Silva decided to return home after his contract with Manchester City expired several days ago. Silva inked a two-year deal with Real Sociedad, with La Liga side confirming the news on Tuesday on their social media.
According to reports, Silva previously agreed to a three-year deal with Seria A side Lazio and was supposed to finalize the move after undergoing medical in the coming days. However, the 34-year-old midfielder changed his mind when Sociedad came calling, preferring to move back to his native Spain rather than Italy. He was also linked with a move to MLS at one point, but the proposed transfer to Inter Miami never materialized.
Silva is expected to become Sociedad’s main playmaker as the club looks to build on an encouraging 2019/20 campaign when they finished 6th on the La Liga standings. He will replace talented Norwegian Martin Odegaard, whose loan was recently called back by Real Madrid.
David Silva started his career with Valencia, playing 168 games for the club between 2006 and 2010, and helping the team to Copa Del Rey trophy in 2006/07. In 2010, he moved to Manchester City and became one of the key players in the club’s emergence as a powerhouse in Premier League.
During his decade in England, Silva played 436 games in all competitions, while scoring 77 goals and dishing 140 assists. He won 14 trophies with City including four Premier Leagues.
Upon announcing his departure from the club, Manchester City decided to honor Silva and his contributions by erecting a statue of him in front of the Etihad stadium.
“David is a transformational player, a quiet leader who has inspired everyone around him,” said City’s chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak. “David’s statue will act as a lasting reminder of the wonderful moments that he gave us, not only as an incredible footballer but as an inspiring ambassador who represented this football club with great dignity at all times.”
