Silva will join a select band of City players if he takes part in Sunday’s game against Bournemouth.
‘El Mago’ is on 399 appearances in all competitions for the champions and could reach his fourth century of matches if he plays against the Cherries.
“I admire a lot what he has done,” said Pep.
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“What I admire the most is to play 400 games - almost 10 seasons here, doing what he has done, it is incredible.
“Big congratulations from me. Every City fan supports him - it is a privilege for everyone, what he has done in this Club.”
Silva will become the first City player to reach the 400 milestone since Paul Power, who achieved the feat during the 1985/86 season.
The Blues’ skipper currently sits in 14th position in the all-time appearances table but could easily reach the top ten in what is likely to be his final season with the Club.
“The last season, he can help us play the way we want to play and try and make him happy,” added Pep.
“He’s one of most incredibly intelligent players at moving the space. Everybody takes time but he’s very good in small spaces - one of best I’ve ever known.
“I thought he wouldn’t succeed in England. He is hugely competitive. In the bad moments, how he reacts is fantastic.
“He’s a technical player - not box to box and my image of English football back in 2010, I admit I thought he was going to suffer.
“I was happily wrong. That was my first impression. He played well from the beginning and he’s done it consistently ever since, for Roberto, Manuel and me.
“His qualities - surviving the Premier League is not easy for that length of time, but he did it. He should be so proud of what he’s done.
“He has quality with the ball, but he has so much more than that. He’s a winner. Four Premier League, plus a lot of domestic prizes.
“He’s the same generation as Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero and has helped this Club to be in a better position.
“Moreover, he’s a nice guy who is our captain. The players chose him. I’m not involved. They had to choose a captain to represent the whole team - it was their decision.”
Another 12 appearances will see him draw level with Neil Young in 11th position, while a further 26 will seem him into the top 10 and surpass Willie Donachie.
Catching Power is not impossible, though he would need to add a further 39 appearances to achieve ninth position.
Silva is already City’s most decorated player, with four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and three Community Shields.
He made his debut for City against Tottenham on August 14, 2010 in a 0-0 draw with Tottenham.
