.gif)
DAVID SILVA is on the prospect of leaving Manchester City without the hero’s send-off his ten years of service deserves thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Spanish midfielder announced in September this season would be his last at the Etihad, with his contract set to expire in June.The City legend could be cruelly deprived of a farewell at the Etihad because of coronavirus.
City had prepared a fitting tribute for skipper Silva at their last Premier League game of the campaign on May 17 where they were due to take on Norwich at home.
However, Covid-19 has shut down world football and now the Sunday Mirror report club bosses are yet to approach the 34-year-old about a potential testimonial instead – similar to the one staged for former captain Vincent Kompany last season.
With the Premier League campaign currently suspended and the possibility that when the action does resume it will be behind closed doors, City are sure to look into alternative ways of giving their veteran midfield maestro an appropriate farewell.
Wing wizard Silva arrived at Manchester City in 2010, fresh from lifting the World Cup with Spain in South Africa.
The club paid Valencia £26million for his services and boy, how he has repaid their faith over the last decade.
Four Premier League titles followed along with two FA Cup trophies and five League Cups as City emerged as one of Europe’s pre-eminent forces.
The Spain midfielder, who has also lifted two European Championships and the World Cup with his country, moved to City from Valencia.
He has established himself as a firm fan favourite since then, hitting 70 goals which included the opener in May’s 6-0 FA Cup final thrashing of Watford.
The 5ft 7in magician, nicknamed Merlin by team-mates, has been strongly linked with a move to David Beckham’s new MLS side Inter Miami, but New York City FC and countryman Andres Iniesta’s Japanese side Vissel Kobe are other potential destinations.
