David Silva, former Manchester City player
David Silva, former Manchester City player
Former Spain international David Silva has revealed that Barcelona attempted to sign him in 2008.
The Manchester City legend has opened up about a potential move that could have brought one of his generation’s most gifted midfielders to the Camp Nou.
As quoted by TuttomercatoWEB, Silva discussed the interest during an appearance on the El Camino de Mario podcast.
Silva revealed that Barcelona contacted him shortly after Spain’s European Championship triumph.
“In 2008, Txiki [Begiristain] called me when we won the European Championship with the national team. At the time, he was at Barca. But Valencia weren’t selling back then,” Silva explained.
Silva was already attracting attention through his performances for Valencia and Spain, but his club was initially unwilling to negotiate his departure.
David Silva, former Manchester City player
David Silva could have worn Blaugrana in his career. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
“Then they had financial problems and sold Guaje Villa and me,” he recalled, referring to David Villa.
“The best decision was going to City. I spent ten spectacular years there, and people treated me incredibly well,” Silva said.
Silva also mentioned interest from Real Madrid but explained that Manchester City had become his preferred destination by then.
What Barcelona missed out on
Silva’s revelation offers an intriguing glimpse into what Barcelona’s midfield might have looked like during Pep Guardiola’s era.
His exceptional close control, intelligent movement and ability to operate between defensive lines made him a natural stylistic fit for Barcelona’s possession-based football.
Pep Guardiola, former Barcelona and Manchester City manager
Pep may have missed out on coaching David Silva at Barca but got the opportunity at Man City. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
A player with Silva’s qualities could have combined beautifully with Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi.
However, Barcelona were hardly short of creativity during that period. With Xavi and Iniesta ruling the roost, Silva might not have had much playing time at the club.
That makes this an interesting missed opportunity, but not one that would necessarily have transformed the club at the time.
Silva went on to become a Manchester City legend, winning four Premier League titles and establishing himself among the club’s greatest players.
Barcelona, meanwhile, enjoyed one of the most successful periods in their history without him, meaning the decision worked out well for everyone.
Silva eventually returned to Spain towards the end of his career, seeing out his final playing days at Real Sociedad.
The magician, as he was popularly known, enthralled one and all throughout his career, and his anecdote about Barça’s interest is yet another fascinating ‘what could have been’ story for football fans.