Manchester City legend David Silva has come out of retirement at the age of 40 after signing for Hong Kong-based club Sha Tin.
Silva announced the move in an Instagram video, expressing his excitement about returning to football and experiencing life in Hong Kong.
“I’m so excited to go to Hong Kong and enjoy the local culture, the food in Sha Tin and, of course, football in Hong Kong,” the former Spain international said.
Sha Tin also confirmed that Silva would soon arrive in Hong Kong to settle in, join team training and work towards full match fitness before making his competitive debut.
The 40-year-old was part of Spain’s squad that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He retired from professional football in 2023 after suffering a serious knee injury, including an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, during pre-season training with Real Sociedad.
Silva enjoyed a highly successful 10-year spell with Manchester City between 2010 and 2020, winning 11 major trophies, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and five League Cups.
After his retirement, Silva described the decision as an emotional one, saying football had been a major part of his life and that he would miss his teammates, whom he regarded as family.
Manchester City paid tribute to the former midfielder at the time, describing him as “one of the greatest players in City’s history.”
Now, three years after announcing his retirement, Silva is set to begin another chapter of his football career in Hong Kong.
