The former Spain international recalled how Barcelona’s then sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, contacted him after Spain won the European Championship. Silva was playing for Valencia at the time, but the club were unwilling to negotiate a transfer.
“In 2008, Txiki called me when we won the European Championship with the national team. At the time, he was at Barça. But Valencia weren’t selling then,” Silva said on the El Camino de Mario podcast.
“Later, they had financial problems and sold me and ‘Guaje’ Villa. Going to City was the best decision. I had ten spectacular years, and the people treated me incredibly well.”
Silva’s recollection offers a glimpse of a transfer that might have taken his career in a very different direction. Barcelona had identified him after his performances for Spain, but Valencia’s initial refusal meant the move did not materialise.
The club’s financial difficulties subsequently changed the situation, with Silva and David Villa both leaving Valencia in 2010. Silva moved to Manchester City, where he became one of the defining players of the club’s rise during the following decade.
The midfielder also recalled interest from Real Madrid, but said his attention had turned towards City after returning from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
“There were always rumours, such as interest from Real Madrid. When I came back from South Africa, the objective was already to go to City. In November, Mancini was already calling me from time to time. He was very interested,” Silva said.
Roberto Mancini was Manchester City’s manager at the time, and the club were building towards a new era of success. Silva’s arrival in 2010 proved a major part of that transformation, with his technical quality and creativity making him a central figure in the team.
Silva spent ten years at City, making 436 appearances and scoring 77 goals. He won four Premier League titles among 14 major honours with the club before leaving in 2020.
His international career was equally distinguished. Silva represented Spain 125 times, winning the 2008 and 2012 European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.
“Playing 125 matches for the national team was a great achievement while playing for City, which at the time wasn’t what it is today,” he said.
Looking back, Silva is unequivocal about the decision he eventually made. Barcelona had offered a possible alternative, but his move to Manchester became the defining club chapter of his career.