David Silva Enters Final Few Months of Man City Contract

In recent years Manchester City fans have had to endure a procession of players leaving – Pablo Zabaleta, Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany and soon it will be David Silva who departs.

For many Manchester City players the little Spaniard David Silva is regarded as not only their favourite Manchester City player – but arguably the best player to have adorned the famous blue. Christened as El Mago by the fans for his uncanny knack of conjuring space where there was none, he has been an important player since he signed back in 2010.

It is hard to remember back to the heady days when he signed. This was the time of the new owners attempting to crash the party and join the top table of world football clubs by brash recruitment and hard belief.

It seems a steal now with hindsight, but on 14 July 2010 we handed over £25 million to Valencia for the man who has been our emblem in many ways for much of the last decade.

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Silva has been a mesmerising shape shifter for much of his time at City, willing to follow the instructions of various managers to ensure game plans are followed. Always willing to sacrifice himself for the benefit of the team.

Under Guardiola he has thrived in an attacking position and found a new and improved lease of life. Yet on 8 January 2020 he will be 34 years of age and his powers have begun to wither. His impact during key games has been less consistent and there is a feeling that the apprentice – young Phil Foden -is ready to make the transition into what are huge shoes to fill.

Silva has made it clear that he intends to move at the end of his current contract to what will be his swansong in his professional career, wherever that my be – Japan or MLS.

And now as 2019 gives way to 2020, there is the dawning realisation as City fans that there are only a limited number of games where we get to see Silva play before he leaves. If he is fit and we make it to the final of every Cup competition we compete in, then we can see him a maximum of 34 times. Of course injury, rest and form will mean the likelihood is he will feature in fewer matches.

Even sadder for us match going fans is that only a maximum of 17 games will be at home, with probably no more than 9 home games guaranteed.

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So, it is time to get ready to start paying our respects and prepare for the inevitable. 2020 is upon us and Silva has no more than 5 months at Manchester City ahead of us!