David Silva ends retirement to sign for Hong Kong Premier League side Sha Tin
October 7, 2026 16:50
Former Manchester City midfielder David Silva has come out of retirement at the age of 40 to join Hong Kong Premier League club Sha Tin. Silva retired in 2023 after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear during pre-season training at Real Sociedad.
KEY CONTEXT
Silva enjoyed a decorated career with Spain and Manchester City. He was part of Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning squad and won two European Championships. At City he claimed four Premier League titles, with the source noting the first three were won during a period in which the club have been found guilty of breaches of the league's financial rules; the club have appealed that finding. Silva amassed 11 major honours in ten years at City and has a statue outside the Etihad Stadium.
REACTION AND CLUB STATEMENT
In an Instagram video, Silva said: "I'm so excited to go to Hong Kong and enjoy the local culture, the food in Sha Tin and, of course, football in Hong Kong." Sha Tin confirmed the signing and said: "David Silva will be in Hong Kong soon to settle in, link up with squad training, and build up to peak match fitness before making his pitch debut."
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Sha Tin are eighth in the Hong Kong Premier League after four matches. Their next fixture is against Hong Kong Football Club on Sunday, 18 October.