David Silva has retired from football after suffering an ACL injury in pre-season training with Real Sociedad.
The 37-year-old retires after bagging 156 goals and 226 assists in 869 professional appearances.
Famously referred to as El Mago (The Magician), he won 20 trophies across his time with Valencia, Manchester City and Sociedad.
Silva announced his retirement via a heartfelt post on social media.
The Arguineguin-born attacking midfielder came through Valencia’s academy before breaking through into the first team in 2004.
His performances earned him rave reviews and interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea.
However, Manchester City picked him up in 2010, and he helped establish the club as a European heavyweight across his ten-year spell in England.
Silva notched 77 goals and 140 assists in 436 games for City. He left the club as a legend, with a statue erected outside the Etihad Stadium for his service.
The four-time Premier League winner signed for Sociedad on a free transfer in 2020.
Silva has been a crucial player for the Basque club over the past three seasons, but a long-term injury has forced him to hang up his boots.
The Spanish international was also crucial for his country, filling in at different positions and helping them win the 2008 and 2012 European Championships. They also won the World Cup in 2010.
Silva’s role in the team is often underappreciated, but his link-up play and understanding of the game were vital for La Roja at those tournaments.
He earned 125 caps for Spain, bagging 35 goals and 32 assists since debuting in 2006.
