Former Spain and Manchester City star David Silva has announced on Wednesday he is coming out of retirement to play in the Hong Kong Premier League
David Silva
David Silva is back in football(Image: (Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images))
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David Silva has clarified that his move to Hong Kong side Supreme Sha Tin is to play one match and not a full season. The Manchester City great hung up his boots back in 2023 after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
But it was confirmed on Wednesday that he was planning to come out of retirement to play for the Hong Kong Premier League side. Explaining his decision, the former Spain international said: “I am very happy to join Supreme Sha Tin for this experience.
“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.”
But Silva moved on Thursday to confirm that his return is just to play one match. Speaking to El Partidazo de COPE in his homeland, he 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.
“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 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 before calling time on his career three years ago due to injury. And paying tribute to Silva after he announced his retirement three years ago, Pep Guardiola said: “Well it is definitely sad news.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 12: of Manchester City celebrates with the Premier League Trophy after winning the title following the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City at American Express Community Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
David Silva had a trophy-laden spell with Manchester City(Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
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“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.”