Silva left the Club this summer after 10 glittering years that saw him make 436 appearances, winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups and three Community Shields.
And Torres, who considers Silva an idol and inspiration, has opted to take on the legacy of the number 21 shirt having joined the Club three weeks ago.
“When the opportunity to take on the 21 shirt came along, I couldn’t say no,” Torres told ManCity.com.
“David is a Manchester City legend, so to have the chance to succeed him is an honour and something I am very proud to do.
“He spent ten years here, won every major English honour and the fans say he is the best they’ve seen. If I can come close to emulating him, I will be doing very well.
“When I started at Valencia, he was enjoying his best time at the Club.
“He was always an inspiration to me. When he moved to City, where he played his best football, I’ve admired him.”
Both Silva and Torres were graduates of Valencia’s academy. David went on to make 166 appearances for the Los Che before joining City in 2010, and Torres played 97 times for the La Liga side’s first team having joined them as a six-year-old.
Indeed, Torres became the youngest player to make 50 La Liga appearances for Valencia, reaching that landmark on 23 November 2019 in a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis at the age of 19 years and 324 days, breaking a 40-year record previously held by Miguel Tendillo.
Meanwhile, Nathan Ake has opted to take the number 6 shirt, which is famously associated with Alan Oakes but has been vacant since Fernando departed in 2017.
Ake said: “I am delighted to have been given the number six. It has a rich tradition in football, with some of the finest defenders who have played the game wearing the number.
“I can’t wait to get started. I am very excited for the new season and I am looking forward to pulling on my City shirt for the first time.”
Everyone at City wishes both Ferran and Nathan the best of luck ahead of their first season at City.
