David Silva is using yoga to make him quick enough for the extra demands of life at Manchester City.
Winger uses yoga to help him avoid challenges in English top flight
Manchester City ace David Silva is using yoga to get him up to speed for the extra demands of life in English football.
The Spanish winger has made a major impact since his £25million summer switch from Valencia as City push for honours in the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.
While he admits he found it tough at the start, he is now settled and flying thanks to help on and off the pitch.
This includes enlisting the help of Ryan Giggs' yoga teacher in a bid to avoid English football's tough tacklers.
Silva, who is set to face Fulham on Sunday, told
The People: "I found it tough at the start, but my team-mates and the club staff have helped me settle in.
Wasn't right
"I wasn't in the right physical shape because I missed part of pre-season after my late arrival back from the World Cup.
"But since I've reached 100 per cent fitness-wise, my form has started to come back.
"With so many games to play, anything that helps you prepare is good. So I have taken it up with the yoga teacher who helps Manchester United's Ryan Giggs, which has helped me to stretch out after games.
"I do similar exercises with a lady at the training ground and I find the yoga has sharpened me up.
"It helps to make me quick enough to avoid the challenges I get in the Premier League.
Not space
"You get people coming through the back of you in Spain, too. But in England, it's a type of football where there's not much space to perform in.
"I don't think football is any more dangerous here. But some things don't get blown up for.
"Officials let things go in this country more than in Spain and other places round the world."
Ahead of the clash with the Cottagers, City currently sit in third place in the top flight, 11 points behind leaders and arch-rivals United.
Silva added: "We're still involved in the Europa League and the FA Cup - and we're not out of the title race yet.
"While there is hope we'll fight until the end."
