David Silva reflects on Manchester City move, calling it the “best decision” after missed Barcelona opportunity

Former Spanish international David Silva has called joining Manchester City the “best decision” of his career, despite missing out on a transfer to Barcelona years earlier, according to a report by Sport Witness.​

Speaking to Mario Suárez on El Camino de Mario, the 40-year-old midfielder revealed that former Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain tried to sign him in 2008 following Spain’s European Championship triumph.

However, Valencia refused to sell at the time before financial difficulties eventually led to his 2010 move to Manchester City.​Silva, who recently came out of retirement to sign a short-term deal with Hong Kong side Sha Tin, spent ten successful years at the Etihad Stadium.

During his decorated spell in England, he scored 77 goals and provided 136 assists in 436 appearances, lifting 11 major trophies. Silva expressed no regrets about missing out on Barcelona or Real Madrid, highlighting the crucial role then-manager Roberto Mancini played in bringing him to England.