BREAKING: David Silva has been forced to retire from football aged 37

Manchester City and Spain legend David Silva has been forced to retire from football at the age of 37.

Silva had been plying his trade with Real Sociedad in his native Spain since 2020, playing 93 times and scoring seven goals.

However he recently suffered an injury to his left knee in pre-season training and further tests uncovered that it was his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a statement from La Real said.

Rumours began to surface claiming that he would no longer be able to continue playing and Silva has now taken to Twitter to officially announce his retirement.

In an emotional video, Silva said: “Today is a sad day for me. Today it is time to say goodbye to what I have dedicated my whole life to. Today it is time to say goodbye to my colleagues, who are like family to me. I will miss you very much.

"Ches (Valencia), Armeros (Eibar), Celtinas (Celta Vigo), Citizens (Man City) and Txuri Urdines (Real Sociedad). Thank you because you have made me feel at home."

Silva joined City from Valencia in 2010 and went on to win four Premier League titles, five League Cups and two FA Cups.

He scored 77 times and registered 140 assists in 436 appearances and has a statue outside the Etihad Stadium for his incredible innings at the club.

Image: Getty

Silva will go down as one of the most gifted players to grace English football and quite possibly the best Spaniard to play on these shores.

On the international stage, Silva was a key figure in Spain's 'Golden Era' and won two European Championships and one World Cup playing for La Roja.

He had signed a new deal with Sociedad in May despite having other offers. He will now transition into life after football, but will likely spend more time on his Canary Islands based winery called Bodega Tameran.