Man City icon David Silva retires after devastating injury

David Silva has announced his retirement from professional football after suffering a devastating injury in training.

Manchester City legend David Silva has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37 just weeks before the season was set to start. Silva had signed a new one-year contract extension with Real Sociedad back in April.

He helped lead the club back into the Champions League qualifying spots last season. And the Spanish icon was all set to play a part in the clubs' return to Europe's elite competition for the first time in over 10 years.

However, he's been forced to retire earlier than he would have liked due to an injury he sustained in pre-season. The 37-year-old suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and he's taken to social media to announce that he won't play any part in the coming season.

"Today is a sad day for me," Silva said in a video posted on social media. "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. Ches. Armeros. Celtinas. Citizens and Txuri Urdines.

"Thank you because you have made me feel at home."

City reacted to Silva's retirement on Twitter, writing: "What an incredible career. Wishing you all the best for the future, El Mago!"

The Spaniard returned to the Etihad Stadium last year when Sociedad faced off against Manchester United to look at his statue outside City's arena for the first time. Silva made 314 Premier League appearances for City and won four Premier League titles.

Speaking back in 2021, Silva admitted he was taken aback at being honoured by City with a statue outside their home ground. "Being at City changed my life. I'm proud of what we did together and I feel emotional that it has been recognised like this," he said.

"When I first saw the statue, I felt good, I thought it was like me. This statue really represents the way I like to play, I love the pose the sculptor has chosen. It really reminds me of those times I was on the pitch playing and that moment when I had to find the striker."