The Spanish midfield maestro, David Silva, closed the final chapter of his footballing tale as he announced his retirement from the game, forced to take this step due to a serious knee injury sustained during training.
David Silva, affectionately known as El Mago (The Magician), bid farewell to football as he announced his retirement following an injury he suffered during Real Sociedad's pre-season training camp. The 37-year-old's elegant presence on the field will be deeply missed, as he leaves behind an exceptional legacy.
— David Silva (@21LVA) July 27, 2023
As far back as the footballing heritage of Spain goes, there have been very few players who wore the Spanish red and carried the same level of elegance that Silva did. The Manchester City legend announced his retirement through a special video on his social media platform that gave a recap of his journey till this point, highlighting his achievements till this point of his career.
Muchas gracias…fútbol pic.twitter.com/HoB6TPojAd
— David Silva (@21LVA) July 27, 2023
Throughout his career, David Silva earned numerous accolades, leaving an indelible mark on each team he represented.
Throughout his career, David Silva represented Spain a total of 125 times, scoring 35 goals and achieving major victories like
With David Silva retiring, @andresiniesta8 and @SergioRamos are the only remaining players from Spain's EURO2008 Final line-up still in activity 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/JCAtxVCCE9
— 433 (@433) July 27, 2023
His playing style is what could be called ‘beautiful’. The adaptability to various opposing tactics, his sublime sense of the game and building up play and occasionally making forward runs to score goals. Silva’s distribution of the ball is what set him apart from the rest of the midfielders during his prime.
Just watch David Silva. Just watch him. The fucking GLUE. pic.twitter.com/l0kVnXa3u7
— DSK (@0161Darren) July 27, 2023
His time in England is something that is considered the peak of his career. The blue side of Manchester signed Silva from Valencia for a total of £30 million, an amount which is still considered as the best bargain by City fans.
El Mago’s brilliance was recognised not only by his own club, but the entire Europe. Upon departing City in 2020, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, the City chairman, proclaimed that Silva, along with Vincent Kompany and Sergio Agüero, would receive the honour of having a statue erected outside the Etihad to commemorate their significant contributions to the club.
🔙🇪🇸 David Silva being honored by Emilio Butragueño & Alfredo Di Stéfano for his humility & values.
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) July 27, 2023
In 2005, Lleida vs Éibar (1-1), a must win game, Silva kicked the ball out when he was free on goal due to a rival being on ground.
✨Class act who retired from football today. pic.twitter.com/olhfjsomFg