Although a statue outside the Etihad Stadium has been commissioned, David Silva's No.21 shirt number will not be retired at Manchester City.
Silva wore the number with distinction during his trophy-laden decade in English football and cemented his place as one of the club's greatest ever players.
But while the club have already made one move to honour his achievements, there will be a new No.21 for the coming season and he too has come from Valencia.
Advert
Paul Hirst from The Times says £20.9 million signing Ferran Torres will inherit the number previously worn by Silva, who was his idol growing up at Los Che.
Advert
He's got huge boots to fill but at the same time it's a sign of the faith City have in the Spaniard. Torres, 20, has already gone on record to discuss his respect for former City captain Silva as he bids to follow in his footsteps.
"When I started at Valencia he was enjoying his best time at the Club," Torres told the official City website.
"He was always an inspiration and then, when he moved to City where he has been playing his best football, I've always admired him."
Advert
Silva, meanwhile, is continuing his career back in Spain with Real Sociedad.
Serie A side Lazio looked set to be his next destination and was even offered a luxury home and private jet, but the Basque outfit hijacked the free transfer and confirmed the arrival of the 34-year-old on a two-year contract.
As expected, he will once again by wearing the No.21 on the back of his shirt during his stint in San Sebastian.
Topics: Manchester City, valencia, Football News, Football, David Silva
