Silva: Real and Barcelona missed their chance
Published 22:27 28/02/12 By David McDonnell
David Silva-Manchester City cropped
David Silva believes Manchester City are close to challenging Barcelona and Real Madrid for the title of Europe’s best team.
Owner Sheikh Mansour has spent £425million on players in three-and-a-half years in a bid to turn City into the biggest and most successful club in the world.
Roberto Mancini’s side remain on course for a first Premier League title, holding a two-point lead over Manchester United with 12 games to go.
And although City failed to make it through the group stage on their Champions League debut this season, Silva claimed they will be one of Europe’s best sides soon.
“Real Madrid and Barcelona have been working together for a long time,” said Silva.
“Barcelona have won many titles and Madrid have been with the same structure for a long time.
“At City we are getting there and, if not next year, soon we will be fighting for the Champions League.”
City were drawn in one of the toughest Champions League groups in this season’s competition, along with Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal.
Their points total of 10 from six games would have been enough to see them through to the knockout stage in six of the eight Champions League groups this season.
The fact City failed to make it to the last 16 was testimony to the toughness of their group, their performances adding credence to Silva’s belief that they will soon be a major force in Europe.
Silva has been arguably City’s best player this season, his flair, vision and passing range making him one of the major contenders for the Player of the Year awards.
His eye-catching displays have seen the former Valencia playmaker him linked with a potential return to Spain with Barcelona or Real Madrid, both of whom are keen to lure him back to his homeland. But Silva has no intention of turning his back on the club at a time when they are on the cusp of a new era of winning major trophies.
The World Cup and European Championship-winner, who has two years left on his deal, added: “Neither Barcelona nor Real Madrid made a move for me.
“Manchester City did and that’s why I’m here. I went where I wanted. I was very happy in Valencia but circumstances meant that I had to go.
“City was the strongest bet for me and I made the right decision.
“I’m very happy in England, I have a two-year contract and I want to fulfil that, I don’t want to move.
“People treat me great and I hope to enjoy more.
“Roberto Mancini has given me confidence, and that’s very important for a player.
“My team-mates have adapted to my game and that’s very good for me. I am enjoying my football to the fullest.”
