Man City to honor David Silva with statue outside stadium

Posted August 17, 2020 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Manchester City's David Silva walks on the pitch during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, July 26, 2020. (Peter Powelll/Pool via AP) The Associated Press

MANCHESTER, England (AP) - Manchester City will recognize David Silva's 10-year career at the club by building a statue in honor of the Spanish playmaker at the Etihad Stadium.

Silva, who is widely regarded as one of City's greatest ever players, played his last game for the English team in the 3-1 loss to Lyon in the Champions League quarterfinals on Saturday. He is the only player to have been at the club for all of the trophies won under its Abu Dhabi ownership, starting with the FA Cup in 2011.

City said a statue of Silva has been commissioned and will be unveiled in 2021, along with one of former captain Vincent Kompany.

A training field will also be dedicated to Silva at City's practice facility. City said it will immortalize 'œDavid's remarkable contribution to the 6-1 defeat of archrivals (Manchester) United in 2011,'ť during which he scored and set up Edin Dzeko with a superb volleyed assist.

'œDavid Silva is a transformational player," City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said, "a quiet leader who has acted quietly and deliberately and inspired everyone around him, from the youngest academy player to his senior teammates over the past 10 years.

'œHe has put a stamp on the team, on this club, its history and even the Premier League as a whole. In doing so he has been instrumental to the beautiful football philosophy you see today. He was the start of it.'ť

Silva joined from Valencia after winning the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and made 436 appearances for City, winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and five English League Cups.

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Manchester City's David Silva waves as he leaves the field after the Champions League round of 16, second leg soccer match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Friday, Aug. 7, 2020. Manchester City won the match 2-1 to advance 4-2 on aggregate. (AP Photo/Shaun Botterill, Pool) The Associated Press

Manchester City's David Silva shakes hands with Real Madrid's Toni Kroos at the end of the Champions League, round of 16, second leg soccer match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Friday, Aug. 7, 2020. (Peter Powell/Pool Photo via AP) The Associated Press

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