Manchester City legend David Silva has decided to call time on his glorious career at the age of 37 years after suffering a brutal knee injury. The Spaniard wanted to keep going with Real Sociedad but an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which he picked up in preseason put an end to his professional career sooner than expected.

Silva kicked off his senior career with Valencia, where he played a total of 168 matches before making a move to Manchester City. The attacking midfielder joined Manchester City back in 2010 and played a key role in the success of the Cityzens.

“Today is a sad day for me,” Silva said on his social media account. “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 family to me. I will miss you very much.

Silva gave gratitude to all the clubs he represented in his glorious career.

“Ches (Valencia), Armeros (Eibar), Celtinas (Celta Vigo), Citizens (Man City) and Txuri Urdines (Real Sociedad)…thank you because you have made me feel at home.”

Silva played an instrumental role in Manchester City’s maiden Premier League title in the 2011-12 season. The Spaniard went on to win three more Premier League titles with the club, with the last two coming under the tutelage of current head coach Pep Guardiola.

Silva made a total of 436 appearances for the Sky Blues and savored great success before making to move to Real Sociedad in 2020. In the previous season of 2022-23, Silva scored two goals and provided five assists in 28 matches he played for the La Liga club.

The veteran also won the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Spain and helped the national team in winning back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.