The word legend is one that is often overused in the world of football, but in terms of Manchester City and the Premier League, it certainly is justified when talking about David Silva.
Having been tracked by the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United during his days at Valencia, Silva opted to join the nouveau-riche Manchester City back in 2010, where the 125 cap Spain international soon began to produce the level of performance that had seen him dubbed El Mago, the Magician, by those in his homeland.
Silva won four Premier League titles during a decorated career with the Cityzens and left a legacy as one of the most creative, and technically gifted players we have seen on these shores.
Among the top 10 assist providers in Premier League history, we’ve taken a look at what some of the greats of the game have had to say about the man called ‘Merlin’ by those on the East side of Manchester.
Here are some of the best quotes on David Silva:
“He is one of the most incredible, intelligent players in the small spaces. He is one of the best I’ve ever known. It’s not just the quality, he’s a huge competitor in the training matches. The Premier League is not easy, and he did it. He must be so proud.” – Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola on David Silva:
“In my first year at City I’d talk to him about how surprised I was that he came here. A league so physical, so tough, so imposing, with this climate, this style of football. How he was able to survive or adapt and do it so well.” pic.twitter.com/zM1DByIAye
— Man City Report (@cityreport_) June 2, 2020
“He’s the best creative midfielder we’ve seen in this league. I didn’t see everyone play, but David Silva wants the ball and plays the same way against every team. He puts his foot in and doesn’t shy away from the ball. He’s brave off the ball and on the ball. What a player!” – Thierry Henry
“As a player he’s unique. He’s an emblem of the national team for what he’s achieved. You never heard a bad word about him.” – Luis Enrique
“I like David Silva – he is a wonderful player, he’s everywhere, he’s so skilled and he has a wonderful attitude.” – Jurgen Klopp
David Silva’s magical career has come to an end ????
Thanks for the memories, @21LVA ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XWDnkN07Vg
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 27, 2023
“It was a pleasure to play alongside him, both for the national team and for Valencia. For me, he’s one of the best players in the last ten years in Spain. He’s an amazing talent. When we played together for Spain, he played much of the time behind me and he gave me a lot of chances on goal. He helped me a lot with the finishing and it was a real, real pleasure to play with him.” – David Villa
“When we are talking about the best foreign players to grace the Premier League then David Silva is one of the best – if not the best. There’s Thierry Henry at Arsenal, Manchester United’s Eric Cantona or Silva’s Manchester City teammate Sergio Aguero, but the Spanish star is undoubtedly in the same bracket. He might not have scored a huge amount of goals but I don’t think he is underrated by anyone who has watched him over the last 10 years. It’s impossible not to appreciate Silva’s ability and what he has done for City. With four titles and two FA Cups he will rightly go down as one of the best players in the club’s history.” – Alan Shearer
Pep Guardiola, Jamie Carragher, Graeme Souness, among others, paying tribute to David Silva throughout the past season:
“He will be remembered as Manchester City’s greatest ever player…”
[via @SkySportsPL]pic.twitter.com/5nidKhrXmp
— Man City Report (@cityreport_) June 26, 2019
“He pulls the strings on the pitch. A brilliant footballer with great movement, he can score, assist, a player who decides a game. He’s got so much to his game, that I would consider him one of the best ever.” – Andres Iniesta
“David Silva is one of the most talented players that Spain has ever produced – without a shadow of a doubt. He’s a spectacular footballer! He has been throughout his entire career. Right from when he played for Eibar and Celta, and when he went back to Valencia. For the national team, he has been a cornerstone of that generation of highly talented Spanish footballers that went on to win the European Championship, the World Cup and then a second European title is remarkable. David was a vital component and absolutely essential to that team.” – Xavi
David Silva’s Spain career:
1️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ Caps
3️⃣5️⃣ Goals
2️⃣ European Championships
1️⃣ World Cup????????????????????
End of an era. pic.twitter.com/YSJYZoHw2N
— Goal (@goal) August 13, 2018
“The year I had there [at Man City], to train with him every day, to see his humility as a player and his quality and everything he brings, was something special. I am delighted that he has had the success and all the recognition because he is incredible.” – Frank Lampard
“He’s a bit of a b*stard. You can tell he learned his football on the street, like he’s threatening ‘There’ll only be one winner here.’ David has that in him and you don’t realise it until you get to know him.” – Pep Guardiola
Read – Midfield Magicians: David Silva – El Mago
See also – Moments that made the Premier League: Manchester City are reborn after Abu Dhabi takeover
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