David Silva will have no problems adapting to his new surroundings according to his old friend Javi Garrido.

City’s Spanish left-back has known the World Cup winner for over a decade and is certain that Silva is more than capable of making the grade in the Barclays Premier League - because the former Valencia star is used to exceeding expectations.

“I’ve known David since I was 15 and he was 14,” says Javi. “Because he was so good even then, he played in the year older than him! We played together at every level until Under 21.

“He then went to the national team, but he was always able to play around older players. We know each other really well, and he called me before he signed to ask about the team and this club.

“I told him that everything here is good, and my opinion is that this will be a great move for him because there is already a great squad here, which I’m sure he will fit into.

“He may not look big or strong, but he is a very clever player who reads a game well. He’s a great passer of the ball and he’s dangerous near the box. He is versatile as well - he can play in the middle or wide on the left, I’m certain he can well in England.

“He’ll have to learn that it’s quite different playing here to playing in Spain - you need to work hard because players over here are stronger.

“But David has shown for Valencia and for Spain that he can play in the big, big games, and City having such good players will make it easier for him.”

Javi was as delighted as all Spaniards at the World Cup triumph, watching from his hotel in Portland, Oregon at the start of City’s pre-season visit to the United States.

It was weird because it’s a new thing for our country, and I was on the other side of the world watching at an early time of the day!

 

 

“It was a very happy and proud day for Spain, and I have friends in the national side who I have known since I was young, so that also made it special.”

Unfortunately for the 26-year-old his tour has been hampered by a calf injury, but he’s hopeful of making a contribution as the Blues switch to the east coast for their four remaining games.

“I’ve had to rest, but now I spend all my time in the gym and the physios are doing all they can for me. The injury is clearing up well - I hope I’m training by the end of the week.”