Pep Guardiola wants David Silva to play in front of another full house at the Etihad Stadium to get the Manchester City send-off he deserves.
The Spanish midfielder is saying goodbye to the Etihad after a wonderful 10 years in English football, but showed against Newcastle that he is still a terrific asset to the Blues. City's boss has been delighted with the level of performance the 34-year-old has been able to sustain since the players returned from the lockdown and going all the way in the Champions League would be a fitting end to his time with the club.
However, there were no cheers or appreciation to mark his latest masterclass given that there are no fans currently allowed inside stadiums.
As much as the team are hungry for success in their two outstanding knockout competitions this season, Guardiola also wants Silva to be able to soak in the adulation of his supporters for one last time.
"David was incredible and fantastic today but it is what he has done in 10 years," said the coach.
"What we want is when people can come back to the Etihad we can do a farewell game for him and say goodbye to one of the legends of this club. When we need to play in small spaces he is maybe the best I have seen moving between the lines and he came back from lockdown in incredible top form and rhythm. If he decides to play, he can play anywhere, no doubts about this.
"The young players learn from David through example, not about the words or talking much but maybe this is the best example. When someone doesn't talk much but through example in training sessions - especially the way he is a competitor - it is good."
