Manchester City great David Silva is coming out of retirement to play in the Hong Kong Premier League. The 40-year-old has joined newly-promoted Supreme Sha Tin on what is reported to be a short-term deal.
Career achievements
Silva won the Premier League title four times and the FA Cup twice during his 10-season spell at City, before leaving to join Real Sociedad in the summer of 2020. While on the international stage, the now 40-year-old won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and also lifted the European Championship trophy on two occasions in 2008 and 2012.
In total, he earned 125 caps for his country, scoring 35 goals, and he called time on his playing career in 2023 after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Shock return
But the City icon has been tempted back into action by the Asian side, who sit in eighth spot after four games in the Hong Kong Premier League.
“I am very happy to join Supreme Sha Tin for this experience,” Silva said in a video message on the club’s social media channels. “I am really looking forward to going to Hong Kong to enjoy the culture, the people and the food in Sha Tin and the football in Hong Kong. I can’t wait to go, so I look forward to seeing you all soon.”
Legacy at Manchester City
The Spaniard will forever hold a special place in the hearts of many Blues and is viewed by some as the greatest player in the club's history.
Ahead of making his final appearance for City back in July 2020, Silva said: “I arrived here having just won the World Cup. It was a change in country, league, language and everything was quite tough but my teammates welcomed me and really looked after me and after a few months I settled in. I have always tried to do my absolute best, to always behave well and I have tried to work very hard too. I hope that people have enjoyed my football for all of these years.”
Paying tribute to the playmaker after he announced his retirement three years later, 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.”
