Manchester City legend David Silva has come out of retirement to sign for Sha Tin in Hong Kong.
The 40-year-old called it a day on his playing career back in 2023 when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while playing for Real Sociedad.
He is most famed for spending ten years at Manchester City between 2010 and 2020, where he won 11 major honours; four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and five League Cups. Much of that time period, though, is now under scrutiny.
He also has a statue outside the Etihad Stadium, and won the 2010 World Cup with Spain, as well as Euro 2008 and Euro 2012.
‘I’m so excited to go to Hong Kong and enjoy the local culture, the food in Sha Tin and, of course, football in Hong Kong,’ he said in an Instagram video announcing the move.
The club, meanwhile, said: ‘David Silva will be in Hong Kong soon to settle in, link up with squad training, and build up to peak match fitness before making his pitch debut.’
Manchester City legend David Silva (pictured) has come out of retirement to play for Hong Kong side Sha Tin
Silva announced his retirement from football at 37 three years ago after damaging his ACL in pre-season training.
The Real Sociedad midfielder posted a message on social media with the caption ‘Thank you very much football’ to confirm the end of his career.
‘Today is a sad day for me,’ Silva wrote. ‘Today it is time to say goodbye to what I have dedicated my whole life to.
‘Today it is time to say goodbye to my colleagues, who are like a family to me. I will miss you very much.’
Manchester City paid tribute to their former midfielder, who played 436 matches for the club, stating that he will be remembered as ‘one of the greatest players in City’s history’.
