A Silva lining in City’s season

Ask any team what is one of the most imperative actions it is to do as a club and they will give you the same response; tie your best player down to a new long-term deal. Whether you’re a top Premier League club or a League Two side struggling to stave off the threat of relegation, any team needs to secure their main man to a lengthy contract.

On Monday, Manchester City did just that. Rumours were rife in the morning that the Citizens were looking to secure diminutive schemer to a new long-term contract following renewed speculation linking the Spaniard to a move with Real Madrid. However, any chance of Los Blancos signing the 26-year-old have all but diminished now.

Silva has signed a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium, telling the club’s official website: “I’m very pleased. I’ve been here for two years now and I feel very happy here at the club, in the city and with all the people.” Many have argued that the former Valencia star penning a new contract has been City’s best signing of the summer and you would be hard pressed to find anybody that would disagree with that.

The Spain international has been one of City’s best players since he arrived in 2010 and his loss would’ve been a severe blow to the club, especially if they are to continue their dominance of English football. On top of that, his impact in Europe would go a long way to aiding the club in their pursuit to land a major trophy on the continent since their 1970 Cup Winners’ Cup win.