Former Manchester City midfielder David Silva is returning to professional football at the age of 40 after agreeing to join Hong Kong Premier League side Sha Tin.
The Spanish playmaker had been retired since 2023, when an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered during pre-season training with Real Sociedad brought his playing career to an abrupt end.
Silva now plans to resume competitive action in Hong Kong, where he will first join Sha Tin’s training programme and work towards full match fitness before making his debut.
The move adds one of European football’s most decorated midfielders to the Hong Kong Premier League. Silva was part of Spain’s golden generation, winning the 2010 World Cup as well as the European Championship in 2008 and 2012.
His club career is most closely associated with Manchester City, where he spent 10 seasons and won 11 major trophies. Those included four Premier League titles, three of which came during the period later examined in the Premier League’s financial rules case against City. The club has appealed the findings against it.
Silva’s contribution to City’s rise was recognised after his departure with a statue outside the Etihad Stadium.
He later continued his career in Spain with Real Sociedad before the serious knee injury led to his retirement.
Sha Tin said Silva is expected to arrive in Hong Kong shortly, settle into the squad and begin training as he prepares for a return to competitive football.
The club currently sits eighth in the Hong Kong Premier League after four matches. Its next fixture is against Hong Kong Football Club on Sunday, 18 October, although Silva’s exact debut date has not yet been confirmed.
His arrival gives Sha Tin a major boost in profile as the club looks to improve its position in the early stages of the season.