David Silva has signed for Real Sociedad.
The 34-year old is a free agent having seen his contract at Manchester City expire.
Silva had been thought to be close to a move to Serie A side Lazio.
The former Spain international spent ten seasons at the Etihad, and is to be commemorated at his former home ground with a statue.
Lazio had offered Silva €4million a year to join them, but Silva is reported to have changed his mind on a move to Italy.
Thank you @ManCity 💙 pic.twitter.com/HPaDjSrleR
— David Silva (@21LVA) August 17, 2020
Instead, he's heading for the Basque Country where he's signed a deal until the summer of 2022.
In a parting statement, Silva says City left an "indelible mark" on his life and career.
He made 436 appearances for the blue half of Manchester, winning four Premier League titles and two FA Cups.
"I look back and it's clear I could not have made a better decision than to accept City's proposal to join their project back in 2010," he added.
"Manchester City and I have grown together. In 10 years, I have developed personally and professionally.
"I have celebrated many victories and titles and lived through epic moments.
"I have seen my lovely child, Mateo, born, and I have even started to feel comfortable under heavy rain!
"City are a fantastic family. I won't ever forget the way they threw themselves into helping me when I suffered the hardest moments of my life, offering me support and empathy."
Silva took time out from the game in 2018 when his son Mateo was born prematurely.
He added, "Precisely because of that I want to tell you It has been a real pleasure wearing the sky blue shirt and the captain's armband of our club, sharing the dressing room with the best players and coaches in the world, and working closely with the finest club representatives and board members the game has to offer.
"And on top of that, all the time I had the backing of the amazing fans who have supported me always, through good and bad moments. You are really amazing.
"I hope that City will achieve 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.
I want to send every Cityzen a huge hug."
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
