David Silva returns to football with Hong Kong club Sha Tin
The 40-year-old former Manchester City midfielder has joined Sha Tin after retiring in 2023.
Former Manchester City midfielder David Silva has returned to professional football at 40, joining Hong Kong Premier League side Sha Tin. The move comes after the Spaniard ended his playing career in 2023, following a serious knee injury suffered during pre-season preparations with Real Sociedad.
Silva won the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships with Spain. During a decade at Manchester City, he collected four Premier League titles and 11 major honours. The first three league victories came during a period when City were found guilty of breaching the competition’s financial rules; the club has appealed those findings.
His final spell at Real Sociedad ended when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in pre-season training. Silva’s achievements at City have also been recognised with a statue outside the Etihad Stadium, commemorating his influential decade with the club.
Sha Tin sit eighth after four league matches and are due to face Hong Kong Football Club on Sunday, 18 October. The club says Silva will first settle in, join team training and work toward full match fitness before making his debut. He has also expressed enthusiasm about experiencing Hong Kong’s culture, food and football.
ColdMath take
Sha Tin add a highly decorated midfielder, but Silva is not expected to play immediately. His first priority will be team integration and reaching competitive fitness before the club’s next fixtures.
The team’s scheduled match with Hong Kong Football Club on 18 October may come before his debut, depending on his preparation.
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Source: BBC Sport