YAHOO! SEA EXCLUSIVE
Manchester City's David Silva's dazzling form this season in the Premiership has caught the attention of many all over the world.
With four goals and six assists from 12 games this season, the midfield maestro has been hailed as the chief architect for "The Citizens", inspiring Roberto Mancini's side to the top of the table after 12 matches.
"I'm enjoying it here in Manchester, although there is always criticism or doubts in the beginning for Spanish players who come to England," admitted Silva, who spoke to Yahoo! Southeast Asia over the phone with a representative, prior to joining the Spanish national team's training camp earlier this month.
The 25-year-old, from Gran Canaria islands, was referring to the pressure Spanish players often face in the Premiership, having to adapt to a different style of football and toughen themselves up to physically compete against ruthless defenders.
Before embarking his journey to Manchester, his former teammates at Valencia called him "Wild Pony", in reference to his petite stature and strong mentality.
"There were a lot of changes when I moved here, such as the language, culture and style of playing. These are obvious challenges for all footballers (but) I have always felt supported at City. I've said before that the English game is much faster and there isn't room for mistakes here, so you have to be quick to adapt."
"Every footballer dreams of playing for a team with great players, a coach who motivates you and fans who appreciate what you do every week. Being at (Man) City to me is like being part of a big family who may not speak the same language but believe in you," he explained, before adding that playing for Valencia was an unforgettable experience.
"Valencianos are still some of the most passionate fans to be around. They have so much affection for you, and I will always remember that."
A new chapter in England
However, despite his strong ties to the club, there was no fairytale ending for Silva at Valencia and many would argue that moving to Manchester was the best decision he ever made.
"I came here because I felt that it was the right time to do it. The club came with a serious proposal, and they wanted to win trophies. We shared the same goals, and I wanted a new challenge," he explained.
When asked if he believed he was living the "prime" of his footballing career, Silva admitted there was still a long way to go.
"No, I don't think so. There's still a lot I want to do at City and 'la seleccion' (Spain). For City, we still want to win the Champions League and Premiership, which is the dream of every professional footballer," he admitted.
Part of Roberto Mancini's strategy at City — to allow players to move freely in attack instead of confining them to fixed positions — is a concoction highly favourable to Silva.
But despite all the praises lavished on the "new Barcelona", Silva maintained that there is still a lot to learn from the Catalan giants.
"The newspapers here like to write things comparing us to them. Man City is not Barcelona, and Barca (are) certainly not us. We may both share the same desire to win, but there's nothing more. We are not trying to be them," he said.
La Seleccion
Recently, David Silva's father, Fernando Jiminez appeared in the Spanish media voicing his frustration at his son's lack of playing time for Spain.
He claimed that his son was "not supported" by national coach Vicente del Bosque, and that a lack of playing time has left him "resigned to his fate".
Jiminez added that it was bizarre that given Silva's glittering record in the Premiership, he still needed to fight for a first-team place in the Spanish national team.
However, Silva refuted the claim and said: "There are many talented players in La Seleccion who don't just play for Real Madrid or Barcelona. But I respect Del Bosque's decision — he has led us to win the World Cup and Euro Championships. My job is to play well so he will pick me more regularly."
David Silva (extreme right) is seen here with his Japanese mother, Eve, and brother, Nando. (Photo courtesy of Levante EMV)Japanese roots
The oldest of three children, Silva grew up in Arguineguin, a town in the south coast of Gran Canaria in Spain.
Despite being notoriously private about his life, he shared with Yahoo! Southeast Asia his Asian roots from his maternal side.
"Yes, I do have a little bit of Asian blood because of my mother's roots. She's Japanese and used to tell us (Silva and his siblings) about the Japanese culture and lifestyle when we were very young," he said.
"We don't know or remember much about it, to be honest, but I know some of the club's biggest and most passionate fans are from the Asian region. I hope to visit Southeast Asia with City one day."
Watch David Silva in action here.
The writer is known as Futbolita, the female voice of football and interviews some of the top players in the beautiful game.
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