David Silva signs for Real Sociedad

Bengaluru, August 18: Real Sociedad have signed former Manchester City midfielder David Silva as a free agent on a two-year deal, the La Liga club confirmed.

The 34-year-old former Spain international has left City after a decade of service in which he won 11 major trophies including four Premier League titles.

"Real Sociedad has reached an agreement with David Silva for the Canarian footballer to play for the Txuri Urdin team for the next two seasons, until June 30, 2022. The player, who arrives free after passing through Manchester City, will incorporate in the near future to the preseason of the realistic team," the La Liga outfit tweeted from their official handle.

ℹ️ OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT| We are delighted to announce the signing of @21lva. The player joins Real as a free agent until June 30, 2022.#WelcomeDavid #AurreraReala pic.twitter.com/PtqIkt4nJR

— Real Sociedad (@RealSociedadEN) August 17, 2020

Real Sociedad, who finished sixth in La Liga, are one of the most attractive sides in the Spanish top-flight and were searching for a new playmaker after Martin Odegaard ended a one-year loan spell to return to Real Madrid.

La Liga Points Table

The Manchester outfit had announced earlier that they would be honouring the Spaniard by building a statue of him outside their Etihad Stadium. Over the course of 10 trophy-laden seasons in Manchester, Silva has played an integral role in each of the club's four Premier League successes.

Gracias, @21LVA! 💙

🔵 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/gfucIJ49BA

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 17, 2020

As well as the statue, City have dedicated a bespoke mosaic of Silva at their City Football Academy reflecting his contribution to the 6-1 defeat of Manchester United in 2011.

Silva follows former skipper Vincent Kompany in being immortalised in statue form, with both pieces to be unveiled in 2021.

Man City legend David Silva to be immortalised with statue

"David Silva is a transformational player; a quiet leader who has acted quietly and deliberately and inspired everyone around him, from the youngest academy player to his senior team-mates over the past 10 years," club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said.

Silva's final appearance in a City shirt came as a substitute in the disappointing 1-3 reverse to Olympique Lyon which saw Pep Guardiola's side eliminated from the UEFA Champions League at the quarterfinal stage for the third season running.

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It marked Silva's 436th club appearance, leaving him 10th on City's all-time list alongside Willie Donachie.

(With inputs from Agencies)