Manchester City to honor David Silva with statue outside Etihad

David Silva's 10-year stay at Manchester City will be commemorated with a statue outside the club's Etihad Stadium.

A sculpture of both the midfielder and former captain Vincent Kompany will be unveiled in 2021. A mosaic depicting Silva's contribution to the iconic 6-1 win at Manchester United in 2011 has already been completed and will be on display at the City Football Academy.

"David Silva is a transformational player; a quiet leader who has acted quietly and deliberately and inspired everyone around him, from the youngest academy player to his senior teammates over the past 10 years," said City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

"He has put a stamp on the team, on this club, its history, and even the Premier League as a whole. In doing so, he has been instrumental to the beautiful football philosophy you see today. He was the start of it."

Silva's bewitching footwork and impeccable vision helped lead City to four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and five League Cups. He made 436 appearances for the Beswick outfit, including a club-record 70 continental outings.

The 34-year-old reportedly snubbed Lazio to join Real Sociedad following the expiration of his City contract.