David Silva says Barcelona wanted him before Manchester City move

David Silva has revealed that Barcelona made an offer for him before he joined Manchester City in 2010, but Valencia initially refused to sell the Spain midfielder.

Silva went on to spend 10 successful years at Manchester City, winning four Premier League titles and two FA Cup doubles at the Etihad Stadium.

The former Spain international said Barcelona’s interest came after Spain won the European Championship in 2008, when Txiki Begiristain was working at the Catalan club.

“In 2008, Txiki Begiristain called me, when we won the European Championship with the national team. At that time, he was at Barca,” Silva said.

“But at that time Valencia were not interested in selling me. Later, they had financial problems, and they sold me and David Villa.”

Silva eventually moved to Manchester City in 2010 and became one of the most influential players in the club’s history.

“It was the best decision to go to City, I had 10 spectacular years and the people treated me incredibly,” he said.

Silva also recalled interest from Real Madrid and explained that his move to Manchester City had become his preferred option after returning from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

“There were always rumours, like Real Madrid's interest. When I returned from the World Cup in South Africa, my goal was already to go to City,” he said.

“In November, Mancini was already calling me, every so often. He was very interested.”