MANCHESTER CITY last night struck the first blow over Euro rivals Real Madrid by tying David Silva to a new £31million deal.
By MARTIN BLACKBURN
The Spanish international — long admired by Real — has struck gold by penning a five-year contract worth around £150,000 a week with bonuses.
Silva, 26, said: “Being here really does feel just like home for me.
“We’ve won the Premier League title and two other trophies too and the team is growing.
“Now we are aiming at the Champions League.
“So that is also another reason to want to stay here and try and win it.
“I’m delighted to be extending my contract.
“These last two years have gone very well so let’s hope the next five go as well or even better.”
Silva’s long-term commitment to the Etihad is a huge kick in the teeth for Real, who host City in tonight’s Champions League Group D opener.
The playmaker joined City for £24million from Valencia in 2010.
Real are out of sorts but Silva warned: “We have to be careful of awakening the beast.”
