Ex-Man City Midfielder Silva Returns to Football at 40

Former Manchester City and Spain midfielder David Silva has returned to professional football at the age of 40, joining Hong Kong Premier League club Supreme Sha Tin.

Silva retired from football in 2023 after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during pre-season training with Real Sociedad, bringing an end to an illustrious career in Europe.

The Spanish midfielder is now set to begin a new chapter in Hong Kong, although he will first undergo a fitness assessment before joining his new teammates in training.

Sha Tin confirmed that Silva will focus initially on settling into the squad and rebuilding his match fitness before making his competitive debut.

“I’m so excited to go to Hong Kong and enjoy the local culture, the food in Sha Tin and, of course, football in Hong Kong,” Silva said in a video posted on Instagram.

Silva spent 10 years at Manchester City, making 436 appearances and scoring 77 goals in all competitions. He won four Premier League titles and 11 major trophies with the club.

He was also a key member of Spain’s golden generation, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and two European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

His achievements at Manchester City earned him a permanent place in the club’s history, with a statue erected in his honour outside the Etihad Stadium.

Sha Tin, who were promoted to the Hong Kong Premier League, currently sit eighth after four matches. The club’s next league fixture is against Hong Kong Football Club on October 18.

Silva’s return comes more than three years after he announced his retirement and marks an unexpected continuation of a career that saw him become one of Spain and Manchester City’s most decorated players.

The 40-year-old will now look to regain full fitness before stepping onto the pitch for his new club and making his return to competitive football.