Man City transfer news: David Silva to leave at end of the season to complete 10 years of service
Silva could retire when he leave the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2020 but could look to move abroad after admitting he will never play against the Premier League club
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Your support makes all the difference.David Silva will leave Manchester City next year when he has completed 10 seasons for the Premier League club, the Spanish midfielder has announced.
The 33-year-old has amassed 395 appearances since moving to the Etihad Stadium in 2010 and helped the club to four Premier League titles by establishing himself as one of, if not the greatest players in City’s history.
But the 2019/20 campaign looks set to be his last for the reigning Premier League champions after he announced his intention to make the new season his last.
Asked if he will look to stay at the Etihad Stadium beyond 2020, Silva told a press conference in Gran Canaria: "No, this is the last one.
"Ten years for me is enough. It's the perfect time for me.
"Initially, City were talking about two years, but I decided to sign (for) another one, so I finished at 10 years.
"It completes the cycle. It's a nice round figure. I can never see myself playing against City for another team. So 10 years - that's it."
On top of the four Premier League titles, Silva has helped win two FA Cups and four League Cups during his time at City, and he featured in 33 league games last season as Pep Guardiola's side retained their crown as part of a domestic treble.
The Spain midfielder, who has also lifted two European Championships and the World Cup with his country, moved to City from Valencia in 2010.
He has established himself as a firm fan favourite since then, hitting 70 goals which included the opener in May's 6-0 FA Cup final thrashing of Watford.
His admission that he could not see himself playing for any team against City does not necessarily mean he will retire, with options in China, Japan and the United States likely, particularly with the City Football Group’s ownership of New York City FC in MLS, Yokohama F. Marino in Japan and Sichuan Jiuniu FC in China.
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