City’s brilliant playmaker is the subject of a new hour-long CityTV documentary, Made in Gran Canaria, which is available on City+ from today.
Via a series of revealing interviews with Silva’s family and friends, former managers and team-mates, this fascinating film follows David’s early promise in his home village of Arguineguin in Gran Canaria, through to his time at City.
Shot on location in the Canary Islands, mainland Spain and Manchester, it is the most in-depth study to date of El Mago’s journey from local talent to World Cup winner and beyond.
“I’ve been able to enjoy playing alongside him for many years at Valencia and for Spain,” said former Valencia, Barcelona and Spain star David Villa.
“He’s the kind of player that with the ball at his feet, a striker knows the killer pass could come at any second. And you have to be ready for it.
“A terrifying talent for a striker like myself to have behind them.
“I think he’s a lad who’s got a mental toughness. He doesn’t get intimidated, he’s got a lot of character about him.
“And despite being so young, his character helped him take on a huge responsibility in a team like Valencia.
“For me, his greatest talent as a footballer is this: he lifts the performance of everyone on the pitch. And that’s a huge talent to have.
“He’s got a great pass, great movement in the final third, an eye for goal, And, I’ve been lucky enough to play alongside him and enjoy his football.
“A legendary footballer.”
Xavi Hernandez, who made more than 700 appearances for Barcelona and won 133 caps for Spain, added: “David Silva is one of the most talented players that Spain has ever produced - without a shadow of a doubt
“He’s a spectacular footballer! He has been throughout his entire career.
“Right from when he played for Eibar and Celta, and when he went back to Valencia.
“For the national team he has been a cornerstone, of that generation of highly talented Spanish footballers.
“That went on to win the European Championship, the World Cup and then a second European title is remarkable.
“David was a vital component and absolutely essential to that team.”
Andres Iniesta, another Barcelona legend, added: “He pulls the strings on the pitch. A brilliant footballer with great movement, he can score, assist.
“A player who decides a game. He gave the national team that wide range of options on the pitch.”
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