David Silva revealed a little-known episode of his career: in 2008 he was very close to signing for the FC Barcelona directed by Pep Guardiola. The former footballer said on the podcast of former player Mario Suárez that he received a direct call from Txiki Begiristain, then sports director of the Catalan club, to add him to the project that had just begun and that would end up marking an era.
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According to Silva, the operation never progressed because the Valencia CFhis team at that time, decided not to accept the proposal. “Back in the day I received a call from Txiki Begiristain in 2008 to play for FC Barcelona”he commented. The Canarian explained that the Valencian club refused to sell him even though the negotiation was real. As time went by, Valencia’s financial situation became complicated and they finally transferred him and David Villa.
That turn led him to Manchester Citywhere he lived a golden period. There he found stability, titles and a sporting environment that, as he confessed, ended up being ideal for him. “I lived ten spectacular years there,” said Silva, pointing out that choosing the English club was “the best decision” of his career.
The former City captain also acknowledged that he would have liked to wear the Barcelona or Real Madrid shirt. In his opinion, playing for one of those two giants makes a difference in the media in Spain: “If you don’t play for Madrid or Barça, in Spain you have less impact, even if you are a legend.”
Memories of the National Team, hard moments and their vision of the future
During the conversation, Silva recalled his time with the Spanish team and the importance of the leadership of Luis Aragonés. He assured that the coach was fundamental in building the spirit that led the team to conquer the Euro 2008. “Luis was exceptional, he helped me a lot, he was like my football father,” he said.
Silva also shared an anecdote from that historic night. “The day we won the Euro Cup I drank something with a lot of sugar, I didn’t sleep at all and I missed the reception with the King,” he said, laughing.
The former soccer player also reviewed one of the most complicated moments of his life: the premature birth of his son. “My son spent five months in the hospital in Valencia. I traveled and played without sleeping, although I remember it as a time when I achieved a high level,” he said.
In another section of the dialogue, he related that before the incorporation of figures such as Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba or BusquetsDavid Beckham was the first to contact him to sign for the InterMiami. Silva declined the offer because he considered he could still compete in Europe.
Regarding his future, he assured that he still does not see himself as a coach. He prefers to spend time with his family, although he does not close the door to directing a team later.
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