Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is hoping David Silva signs a new contract at the club
Silva has been a mainstay in City's side since arriving from Valencia in 2010 for £25 million and Guardiola wants him to remain with the Sky Blues until he hangs up his boots
PEP GUARDIOLA has urged David Silva to commit his long-term future to Manchester City by extending his contract.
The Spain international has been a mainstay in City's side since joining from Valencia in 2010 for £25 million.
The 31-year-old has two years to run on his current contract , having signed a five-year extension in 2014.
Despite being one of the Sky Blues oldest players City are keen to keep him, and Silva's representatives have been in contact with City’s sporting director Txiki Begiristain.
Guardiola emphasised the importance of the Spaniard to the team, who has registered more assists than any other player this season.
He said: "We would like for him to stay until he decides, okay, it's over.
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"There are no doubts about David. I think he has recognition all around the world for how good he is.
"His team-mates give him a lot of credit about his quality, like the fans and the media. He's a special player; a player I like a lot.
"He's intelligent, he's a fighter, he's a competitor, he's a winner, he's a guy who has the quality to keep the ball, to play. He's such an important player for us. He loves to be here.
"He's part of the history; the generation from Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure - the guys that gave the club the important step up to consider Manchester City as a good, good team.
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";They help us a lot and David is one of them."
Since arriving in Manchester, he has helped City to land two Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup triumph during his time in England – taking in over 300 appearances, scoring 51 goals and providing countless assists.