David Silva joins Real Sociedad on free transfer after leaving Man City

The Spaniard has penned a two-year deal with the Basque club

David Silva has joined Real Sociedad on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City.

Following the expiration of his deal at the Etihad, the Spanish midfielder has opted to move back to La Liga, penning a two-year deal with the Basque club.

Silva was in talks to move to Serie A with Lazio, who had reportedly offered a three-year contract to the 34-year-old.

After 10 years, 436 appearances and 14 trophies with the Citizens, Silva heads back to Spain and has sent a message to City fans.

“It’s time for me to say goodbye to the club that has left an indelible mark on my life and career,” Silva said.

Manchester City midfielder David Silva (Getty Images)

“I look back and I could not have made a better decision than to accept City’s proposal to join their project back in 2010.

“It has been a real pleasure wearing the sky blue shirt and the captain’s armband of our club.

“I hope that City will acieve even bigger triumphs in the future. I am going to support the team from a distance.

“I am so happy I have shared these unforgettable moments with the City family, you will always be in my heart.”

City will honour Silva with a statue after the midfielder’s decade-long Etihad career.

The statue will be located outside the Etihad Stadium and the club will also rename a pitch at their City Football Academy training ground in the midfielder’s honour.

Silva is the second City player to be commemorated by a statue outside the Etihad after former captain Vincent Kompany, who left the club last year.

Both Silva and Kompany’s sculptures are currently under construction and are expected to be unveiled in 2021.

The training pitch tribute will also feature a mosaic depicting Silva during City’s infamous 6-1 win over rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2011.