David Silva disappoints Lazio with sudden Sociedad transfer
David Silva has joined Real Sociedad on a free transfer from Manchester City despite reports he was about to join Lazio.
The City captain announced earlier in the campaign that he would not be signing a new deal with the Premier League runners-up, instead seeing out his current contract to move on to a new challenge.
Various destinations were mooted, including China or potentially Al Ahly, but Lazio appeared to win the race up until Monday, when Real Sociedad announced the transfer.
The Spanish side announced the transfer on their official site with a statement that read:
"Real Sociedad and David Silva have reached an agreement that will see the player from the Canary Islands wear the txuri urdin shirt for the next two seasons.
"The new realista joins as a free agent from Manchester City and will sign for the club until June 30, 2022. Silva will join the team in the coming days.
"We are honoured to have such an outstanding player in our team. He will strengthen Real’s offensive success and will bring lots of joy and happiness. Ongi etorri, welcome David."
The news of Silva's move to Real Sociedad came just a few hours after Man City announced they would be erecting a statue in honour of their former player outside the Etihad stadium.