David Silva has confirmed he is preparing for what will be his final Manchester City season.
Spanish playmaker Silva has 12 months left on his contract, and says 10 years will be the perfect milestone to call time on a glittering career at the Etihad.
Now 33, he joined the Blues from La Liga side Valencia for £21million in June 2010 and has helped win every major club trophy apart from the Europa League and Champions League.
Asked if could stay beyond the 2019-20 season, when City will go for a third successive Premier League title, Silva said: “No, this is the last one - 10 years for me is enough. It’s the perfect time for me.
“Initially, City were talking about two years, but I decided to sign another one, so I finished at 10 years. It completes the cycle. It’s a nice round figure. I can never see myself playing against City for another team. So 10 years – that’s it.”
Silva has always said he would like to end his career in his native Gran Canaria with local club Las Palmas. But they are currently in Spain’s second division, and he said he will only do that if they get back to La Liga.
“I would like to do that, but I don’t know,” said Silva. “Football changes. Who knows? But I would love to finish my career here in Las Palmas. It depends on the team and the players. I cannot come here to play in the Second Division with this team.”
Silva admitted winning the Champions League would be the perfect way to bring the curtain down on his City career. They have got no further than the semi-finals, and were beaten in the last eight this past season for a second year running.
“That would be perfect,” he added. “We haven’t been able to achieve that goal yet but if every year is like last season, I would sign for it right now.
“When I was a kid, I never thought I would achieve everything I have done. So for me I’m more than happy with what I have achieved in my time at City.”
