Paul Ince has come in for criticism after suggesting that Manchester City‘s decision to build a statue outside the Etihad Stadium in honour of David Silva “went a bit far”, citing Arsenal’s lack of similar honours for Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp – despite both players already having been immortalised in stone outside the Emirates Stadium.
Ince was asked for his opinion on City’s decision, following confirmation that the midfielder has joined Real Sociedad after Pep Guardiola’s side’s Champions League exit.
Ince claimed the decision seemed overzealous and said: ”When you look at the Henrys, the Bergkamps, [Silva’s] up there. But I don’t see a statue of Henry or Bergkamp outside Arsenal.”
Viewers were quick to point out that both have in fact been present at the Emirates Stadium for several years, with Henry’s famous celebration against Tottenham Hotspur first displayed in 2011, while a statue of Bergkamp gracefully controlling a ball was completed in 2014.
City will also name a training pitch in honour of Silva at the club’s academy, with a mosaic celebrating his role in the club’s 6-1 victory over Manchester United in 2011.
A statue is also being built in honour of former captain Vincent Kompany, which is expected to be unveiled next year.
