David Silva has announced he is coming out of retirement to play in the Hong Kong Premier League, but the former Manchester City star has clarified the move is for just one match rather than a full season.
The 40-year-old, who retired in 2023 after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, confirmed on Wednesday that he planned to play for Hong Kong side Supreme Sha Tin.
One-match return confirmed
Speaking to El Partidazo de COPE in his homeland, Silva said: “I am surprised because in the end it is only to play one match. The news made it look like I had signed for a season and it has kept me busy all afternoon. It is a league match, but it is still just one match.”
He added: “When they proposed it to me it seemed interesting because it is in Hong Kong, a place I really like. I have a friend there and I have been quite a lot. So, compete in one match and try to do well…”
Silva’s trophy-laden career
Silva won the Premier League title four times and the FA Cup twice during his 10-season spell at Manchester City, before leaving to join Real Sociedad in the summer of 2020. On the international stage, he won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and lifted the European Championship trophy on two occasions, in 2008 and 2012.
In total, he earned 125 caps for his country, scoring 35 goals before calling time on his career three years ago due to injury.
Guardiola’s tribute
Paying tribute to Silva after he announced his retirement, Pep Guardiola said: “Well it is definitely sad news. His impact not just at Man City, which was unbelievable, but every team he played for Valencia, Eibar, national team. The best I have seen playing in the pockets. He was one of the players who allowed for the success of this team. David is one of them.
“We wish him all the best in the future from the whole Manchester City family. It absolutely was a pleasure to be his manager and see day in and day out the quality he had.”
