David Silva revealed he snubbed Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid in favour of joining Manchester City.
Spaniard wants team-mate to follow him to Eastlands
David Silva has revealed he snubbed Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid in favour of a move to Manchester City.
The Spanish playmaker was expected to join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Mesut Ozil and Angel di Maria at the Bernabeu this summer, however the 24-year-old had other ideas.
And despite swapping a dream El Clasico at Camp Nou on Monday for a trip to Stoke City on Saturday, the £26million star insists he has no regrets five months into his move to England.
"There were options to stay in Spain when it was clear I would leave Valencia in the summer," he said in
The Sun.
"I was aware of the interest from Madrid at the time, it's a huge club and they have a great coach now.
"It's true that a lot of Spanish and Portuguese players want to play for a club like Real. It's normally them or Barcelona.
"So it was nice to know there was interest. Of course, they were in the Champions League and that's a competition I'm used to playing in and want to play in again.
Strongest move
"But for me, I wanted to live through a new experience. I wanted to play outside of Spain and England was my choice.
"Also it was City who made the strongest move for me during the World Cup and that meant a lot to me. I was excited by what they told me.
"I knew Roberto Mancini had tried to sign me when he was at Inter.
"That showed what belief he had in me. He really impressed me and I've enjoyed working for him. He's a really good young manager."
With millions of pounds at City's disposal, Silva would love for the club's funds to go on one player in particular.
He added: "David Villa. I just know he's a world-class striker. We have a lot of superstars already but there is always room for one more like him.
"If there was one more to arrive it would be brilliant to sign someone like him - a really huge signing."
