Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq has hailed his Real Sociedad team-mate, David Silva who announced his retirement from professional football.
Silva, a Manchester City legend on Thursday announced his retirement from football at the age of 37 after a long career of many laurels.
The Spain international has been forced to hang up his boots after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament during pre-season training with La Liga club, Sociedad.
Nicknamed ‘El Mago’ (the magician), Silva has now called time on his illustrious 19-year playing career and has bid an emotional farewell to the beautiful game with a video posted on social media.
In the video, Silva said: “Today is a sad day for me. Today it is time to say goodbye to what I have dedicated my whole life to.
“Today is the time to say goodbye to my colleagues, who are like family to me. I will miss you very much.
“Ches, Armeros, Celtinas, Citizens and Tuxri Urdines, thank you because you have made me feel at home.”
Sadiq who played with Silva for a few weeks after joining Sociedad from Almeria before his injury has hailed the Spaniard.
“I will tell my grandchildren that I played and celebrate with MAGO! @david21lva,” the striker wrote on Instagram.