Knowing Valencia needed to cash in on his services and with the World Cup fast approaching, Silva needed a quick decision on his future. That City had already made their intentions known was perfect for the 24-year-old, who quickly agreed to make the move to Eastlands for £25million and sign a four-year contract. "I wanted my future sorted out before the World Cup and Manchester City showed serious intent," he said. "They made it very clear they wanted me and were happy to stick their necks out. I wanted to pay that back." It works both ways of course. City are now getting a World Cup winner, even if Silva only made the bench for that famous final victory over Holland in Johannesburg. It is a prize he will covet for life although he wants to expand his medal collection with a few honours for his new club. "I have come here to win titles and important trophies," he said. "This club is going to places I want to visit. "I can't wait to play alongside Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Nigel de Jong and Yaya Toure, and that's to name just four." Not that the enormity of the move has quite sunk in yet. Silva was given an extended break after his exertions in South Africa and immediately gets a reminder of what he left behind in Valencia when his old club visit Eastlands for their final pre-season friendly on Saturday. Then it is back on a plane for home after he was named in the Spain squad to tackle Mexico in the Azteca Stadium next Wednesday. It will be a joyous reunion, although Silva has reservations about the exercise given its proximity to the Premier League opener against Tottenham next Saturday. "It is always nice to be chosen for your country but I have to admit the timing of this match is not great," he said. "The Premier League is about to start and I need time with the new players at the club. "But there is nothing I can do about it and I will be going."
