Former Manchester City and Spain midfielder David Silva has made a surprise return to professional football at the age of 40, joining Hong Kong Premier League side Supreme Sha Tin.
Silva retired from football in 2023 after suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury during pre-season training with Spanish club Real Sociedad. Three years later, the former midfielder has decided to return to the game with the newly promoted Hong Kong side.
“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,” Silva said in a video posted on social media.
Supreme Sha Tin confirmed that Silva will travel to Hong Kong, link up with the squad and work on his fitness before making his competitive debut. The club currently sits eighth in the 11-team Hong Kong Premier League after four matches.
Silva enjoyed a highly successful career with Manchester City, where he spent 10 years between 2010 and 2020. He won 11 major trophies, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and five League Cups, while making 309 Premier League appearances and scoring 60 goals.
At international level, Silva won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and two European Championships with Spain. He also made 125 appearances for the national team.
His return to football marks an unexpected new chapter for one of Manchester City’s most celebrated midfielders, who had previously brought his illustrious career to an end following his knee injury.
