Child’s play for Silva and rampant City
DAVID Silva starred on his return to the City team as his family watched on at the Etihad.
The Spaniard was outstanding last season on the pitch despite personal circumstances that saw son Mateo born around 15 weeks prematurely in December.
Silva thanked Pep Guardiola for allowing him to make frequent trips back to Spain to be with his family, and Mateo is now well enough that he was able to accompany his father onto the pitch ahead of the Huddersfield game and witness the dressing room celebrations after the 6-1 win, in which Silva scored a free-kick to cap another excellent performance.
“He made an outstanding performance, [his] first game after the summer time,” said Guardiola.
“He was so motivated because of his family, parents, wife, especially Mateo.
“He scored an amazing goal for him, who will never forget the first time he saw his father play football.
“We met him the first time a couple of days ago. Last season was a tough moment for his family. Fortunately the little boy fought a lot and he is here.”
Guardiola also congratulated Sergio Aguero after another three goals for City’s record marksman eased the Blues to three points.
The City manager praised the striker’s workrate that allowed him to contribute more than just goals and described his current spell as “perfect”.
Meanwhile Benjamin Mendy believes baby Mateo was man of the match for City’s win.
The Spain international described the period of time Mateo was in hospital as ‘the hardest months of my life.’
His personal experience had a profound effect on his club team-mates, who rallied around the popular midfielder and promised to carry on winning during his absence.
And following the victory over Huddersfield yesterday Mendy took to Twitter to reflect on the win, and show his support for baby Mateo.
“Yes 6-1,” the World Cup winner wrote. “yeah 1 or more assist for me (certainly more) .. yeah Kun 3 goals and all that... but our MOTM today its him (and Im no talking about his dad).”
Mendy was not the only player to pay tribute to Mateo, as father David also dedicated his goal to his son.
Silva celebrated his inch-perfect freekick by rolling up his sleeve and kissing his tattoo of Mateo which is inked on his left forearm.