Old pals' act has Silva lining for City

[Mark (Blue Army)]

David Silva admits he got the lowdown from an old friend before making the decision to switch from sun-drenched Valencia to the delights of east Manchester.

Doubtless the attacking midfielder and Spanish World Cup winner will soon learn to appreciate the appeal of fish and chips like team-mates such as Pablo Zabaleta.

But his appetite for City and the Premier League was whetted by left-back Javi Garrido, who has been at the heart of the club's rapid revolution over the past two years.

Silva, 24, said: "He and I played together in Spain’s Under-21 side so we have a good relationship, so I called Javi to ask him about City and how things are here in Manchester."

David is back home in the Canaries enjoying a post-South Africa break after putting the finishing touches to his transfer from the La Liga side yesterday afternoon.

But he is ready to return firing on all cylinders - and aiming to enhance his perfect record in England of played two, scored two when the campaign gets under way on August 14.

Silva, who hit eight in La Liga last season, scored the only goal when Valencia won a friendly here and stunned Chelsea with a cracker in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge.

He smiled: "I’ve only placed twice in England and yes, I scored on both occasions! I’m going to try and score a lot of goals this season."

mcfc.co.uk

[Abu Dhabi]

I always thought we had a reason for keeping Garrido

[Moonchesteri]

Thanks Javi! What a great servant he's been to MCFC. ;o)

[john@staustell]

I knew Gaz would come through in the end. Probably keep him around to settle Silva in!

[avoidconfusion]

I hope even more now that we keep Spanish Gaz. Such a nice guy. He should give Torres a ring too!