- Supporters stunned to discover former Premier League star has Japanese roots
- Legendary midfielder could have even represented Japan at international level
Fans are left stunned after an old family portrait of a Premier League legend was circulated on social media.
The midfielder is one of the most celebrated talents to ever play in the top division and has also enjoyed great success at international level.
The player was part of the unbeatable Spanish team that won the European Championship twice and the 2010 World Cup. During his illustrious career, the player won a large number of individual awards.
While former Manchester City star David Silva’s life on the pitch is well documented, fans were shocked to discover he has Japanese ancestry.
In a family photo shared widely online, a young Silva is seen standing next to his siblings Nando and Natalia, and his parents Fernando and Eva, the latter of whom has a Japanese parent.
A family photo featuring former Man City star David Silva has left social media in shock
The former Spain international has a Japanese grandparent and could have represented them internationally
Silva is regarded as one of City’s greatest ever players and played over 300 games for the club
A fan wrote: ‘No wonder he’s so good with the ball! Damn! Japanese and Spanish perfection!’
Another added: ‘Ah, David Silva is from Japan too? How could I not know that?’
A Japan supporter added: ‘YOO david silva is half Japanese half Spanish?
‘Oh my god, I didn’t know that. I remember seeing him play in real life against West Ham and I was in awe of the way he dictated the game. He’s honestly one of my favourite midfielders ever… he should have played for us instead of Spain, LOL.’
With a Japanese grandparent, Silva would have qualified to represent Samurai Blue at international level, possibly making the last 16 in South Africa in 2010.
After impressing at Valencia, Silva joined City in the year Spain won the World Cup, joining when Roberto Mancini was in charge.
The midfielder became an instant fixture in the Citizens’ midfield in a campaign that saw them beat Stoke City at Wembley to win the FA Cup, ending a 35-year trophy drought.
Fans were surprised to discover the four-time Premier League winner has Japanese ancestry
At the Etihad Stadium, Silva continued to win and the following season he won the Premier League after City beat great rivals Manchester United on the final day.
Silva won four more league titles in his ten years at the club and became one of City’s most beloved stars. He then returned to La Liga with Real Sociedad, but hung up his boots last summer.
