CITY WILL HONOUR SILVA WITH STATUE

MANCHESTER CITY will honour David Silva’s glittering 10-year career at the club by building a statue of the Spanish playmaker outside the Etihad.

Silva, who has been acclaimed as one of the greatest players in City’s history, made his final appearance as a substitute in Saturday’s shock Champions League quarter-final defeat by Lyon in Lisbon.

The club have also dedicated a training pitch at the City Football Academy to the 34-year-old midfielder with a mosaic celebrating his role in the famous 6-1 win over Manchester United in 2011. Silva’s statue will be unveiled next year along with a sculpture of former captain Vincent Kompany.

Both players helped turn the Abu Dhabi dream into reality after Silva (right) joined City in a £26million deal from Valencia in 2010, winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and five League Cups in his 436 appearances for the club.

In a statement on Twitter, Silva said: ‘The time has arrived. Ten years and 13 titles later, it’s time for me to say goodbye to the club that has left an indelible mark on my life and career.’ Chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak said: ‘David Silva is a transformational player who has inspired everyone around him, from the youngest academy player to his senior team-mates. ‘As with Vincent, David’s statue will act as a lasting reminder of the wonderful moments that he gave us.’ Kompany left City last year to become player-coach at Anderlecht, and was confirmed as the Belgian club’s head coach yesterday on a four-year deal. The 34-year-old, who gave up his managerial role on match days in August to concentrate on playing, has now retired so he can replace Frank Vercauteren. ‘I want to fully commit to my role as a coach and need 100 per cent of my time and focus for it,’ said Kompany. ‘That’s why I’m quitting as a football player.’