David Silva: The magician's new life in San Sebastian ahead of Barça visit

When the time comes to make big decisions, the usual thing to do is to weigh up the pros and cons and, from there, decide what's best for you and your family. It's never easy to leave behind places where you have been happy. But all good things come to an end something that seems as easy as leaving at the ideal moment can become complicated. David Silva was a legend at Manchester City. For many, the best player to ever represent the club. Or at least the most important.

After a prodigious decade and following a fitting farewell, it was time to choose a new destiny. There was no shortage of offers. Sevilla and Lazio led the way. Lazio thought they had a deal done. But Real Sociedad worked quietly and efficiently to bring in the ex-Spain midfielder. No one saw them coming -- not the fans or the press -- when it was announced that Silva had signed a two-year deal with the Basque club. Imanol Alguacil's project and the city of San Sebastian dazzled him.

ADAPTED

Half a year after that unexpected announcement, Silva has become a reference at Real Sociedad, an essential piece of the puzzle at Anoeta. Living in one of the most beautiful areas of the city, El Antiguo (in the Ondarreta villas), around 20 metres from the sea, the Canary Islander has a happy life and time with his family. Not many footballers decide to live so centrally in San Sebastian, with most preferring the 'Hospitales' area on the outskirts, where it's quieter.

But Silva, who knows the area well following time on loan with Eibar, had no doubts. The Real Sociedad president, Jokin Aperribay, captain Mikel Oyarzabal and former Manchester City teammate and now Eibar player Aleix García live near him. A lot of Eibar players decide to live in San Sebastian (a 45-minute drive from Eibar).

INFLUENCE

Since signing for La Real, Silva has had a big role at the club. He's a model for the young players (and there are plenty), who look to him all the time. In Imanol's 4-3-3, he plays the left interior role, with Mikel Merino as the No.8. They work together brilliantly. He also has a good relationship with Oyarzabal and Isak.

Staff who witness the training sessions at Zubieta, La Real's training base (a constant source of talent that Imanol is helping bring through) assure that they have never seen him lose the ball.

"When we have to look for open space, he's the best I have seen. I have never seen anyone move between the lines like him," Pep Guardiola, Silva's coach at Man City, said. The ex-Barcelona boss was enamoured with him. A competitor and, above all, someone with a passion for football that's spent years paying homage to the game.

On Sunday, in his new home, he welcomes Barcelona.

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