According to a report by Barca Universal on Saturday October 17, 2026, Manchester City legend David Silva has revealed that Barcelona attempted to sign him in 2008 following Spain’s European Championship triumph.

However, Valencia refused to sell the midfielder at the time, preventing a potential move to the Camp Nou during the early stages of his career.

Silva disclosed the details during an appearance on the El Camino de Mario podcast. The former Spain international explained that Txiki Begiristain, who was working at Barcelona, contacted him after the tournament.

“In 2008, Txiki called me when we won the European Championship with the national team. At the time, he was at Barca. But Valencia weren’t selling back then,” Silva revealed.

The midfielder had established himself as an exciting talent through his performances for Valencia and the Spanish national team. However, the club’s financial difficulties eventually forced them to sell key players, including Silva and David Villa.

Villa eventually joined Barcelona in 2010, while Silva chose a different destination. The Spaniard completed a move to Manchester City, where he enjoyed an extraordinary decade and became one of the club’s most influential players.

“The best decision was going to City. I spent ten spectacular years there, and people treated me incredibly well,” Silva added.

The former midfielder also acknowledged interest from Real Madrid, although Manchester City had become his preferred destination by that stage.

Barcelona’s interest remains an intriguing story, considering Silva’s technical ability, close control and creativity. His playing style could have suited Pep Guardiola’s possession-based system alongside Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

However, Barcelona already possessed an exceptional midfield during that period. Silva might have faced considerable competition for regular playing time despite his outstanding qualities.

His decision ultimately proved successful, as he won four Premier League titles with Manchester City and established himself as a club legend. Barcelona also enjoyed remarkable success without him.

Silva later returned to Spanish football with Real Sociedad before retiring from professional football.