Man City Icon Reveals He Turned Down Lucrative Inter Miami Offer
Lionel Messi became the inaugural world-class talent to sign with Inter Miami, however, before his arrival in 2020, the legendary Manchester City playmaker David Silva declined an opportunity to join the Herons.
The elegant Spanish midfielder dedicated a decade to Manchester City, during which both he and the organization achieved remarkable success. As speculation grew about his potential departure from the Etihad Stadium following the 2019–20 campaign, David Beckham and Inter Miami made their approach.
"With all the current discussion about Miami, I was actually the first [to get an offer from Miami]," Silva revealed on the El Camino de Mario Podcast. "I had a meeting with Beckham in Manchester, but the timing wasn't quite right, it was November [2019].
"I explained that I couldn't provide him with a decision at that moment. However, I eventually declined because I still had the desire to compete at the European level. Indeed, I believe I was the first international player [to be approached by Miami]."
Silva also disclosed that he rejected proposals from Japan, Qatar and Dubai, choosing instead to return to Spain with Real Sociedad. Silva spent his final three professional seasons with La Real, capturing the Copa Del Rey in 2021, which stands as the most recent trophy claimed by the Basque organization.
Subsequently, Gonzalo Higuaín became the most notable player, at that time, to don Miami's pink jersey, though the former Real Madrid, Juventus and Chelsea forward didn't manage to create a significant impact.
David Silva: Joining Man City Best Decision of My Career
Following Silva's triumph in the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Spain, his childhood team Valencia was compelled to part ways with their academy product. Numerous clubs expressed interest, but Silva feels he discovered the ideal destination at Manchester's Etihad Stadium.
"Who wouldn't want to represent Barcelona or Real Madrid?" Silva commented. "However, the finest choice of my career was signing with City.
"I enjoyed 10 amazing years there. The people showed me incredible respect, we captured 14 trophies, the club was progressing [on an upward path]. Additionally, England possesses something unique, I'm not sure what it is but England has something special.
"For the people there, football is like a sacred belief to them."
Silva settled into English life seamlessly and became instrumental in transforming City into an unquestionable Premier League force. He proceeded to claim four Premier League titles, five League Cups, two FA Cups and three Community Shields throughout his revolutionary decade in sky blue.
Overall, Silva wore City's colors 436 times, netting 77 goals and providing 136 assists. He ranks among the finest players in the club's history and his contribution endures with a statue positioned outside the Etihad.