David Silva poses for candid photo in retro Manchester City shirt | OneFootball

Manchester City legend David Silva has reaffirmed his love for his former club by candidly posing for a photo in one of the side’s all-time greatest shirts.

The former Spain international, who is widely regarded as one of the finest players to ever wear the sky blue shirt, has remained a hugely popular figure among supporters even after hanging up his boots in 2023.

Known for his creativity, elegance, and game-changing ability, David Silva’s time at the Etihad Stadium helped transform Manchester City into a powerhouse at the top of English football, and changed their fortunes across Europe.

Since retiring, the Spaniard has made several public gestures reminding fans that his bond with Manchester City remains strong. From attending matches to sending messages of support during key moments, the 39-year-old has never been far away from the spotlight when it comes to City.

His latest gesture, however, resonates especially deeply with fans who remember the club’s roots prior to the Sheikh Mansour takeover and Pep Guardiola’s modern dominance. The 1999 Division Two play-off final victory over Gillingham at Wembley, where Paul Dickov scored a last-minute equaliser, is often viewed as the springboard moment that set City back on the path to the top.

Now, in an upload to his personal Instagram story over the weekend, Manchester City legend David Silva grabbed the attention of global supporters as he posed in the iconic 1999 Play-Off final-winning shirt of his former club.

The photo quickly spread across social media platforms, with supporters flooding comment sections to share their delight at seeing the Spaniard in retro colours. For many, it highlighted Silva’s appreciation of the City journey before his own arrival, and his ability to connect with the club’s fanbase on a level beyond trophies and medals.

Looking forward, fans may wonder whether Silva will play a role in City’s future. Figures such as Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero have taken steps into football management and ambassadorial duties respectively, and speculation often surfaces about whether Silva could one day return to the Etihad in some capacity.

A coaching role, academy involvement, or ambassadorial position would be a natural extension of his affection for the club. For now, however, David Silva’s gestures continue to strengthen his legendary status.

Just as new signings look to write their own chapters, David Silva’s reminder of the past connects fans across generations, with his candid retro moment is a small but powerful tribute to the long journey City have taken from Wembley in 1999 to global dominance in 2025.