Guardiola Tells Silva To Stay Beyond 2020

By Joshua Walters

Pep Guardiola is urging David Silva to remain at Manchester City beyond the year 2020 despite the player hinting of a possible move away from the Etihad Stadium.

The Manchester City manager admits that the Spaniard playmaker is aging, but is unwilling to let go of him despite the player serving notice in September 2018 that he would love to join his hometown club, Las Palmas, when his contract runs out in 2020.

Silva has two years left on his Manchester City contract, but said three months ago, he would consider his physique and mentality in deciding his future, though he fancies both remaining at the Etihad Stadium and going to Las Palmas.

"In this kind of case, it depends on the player. For me, if he is fit and his performances are the same as this season, I'm more than delighted," Guardiola tells reporters at a news conference in response to a question on Silva’s future.

"It's not easy to find around the world [a player like Silva].

"But I think they have to decide for themselves. At that age, your mind controls your legs and your desire and willingness to stay.

"It depends on him."

Silva has won three Premier League titles and one FA Cup with Manchester City since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium from Valencia in 2010.

The World Cup winner has played 19 Premier League games this season and scored six times and a three-goal record in 5 Champions League games.