Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini knows there will be plenty of focus on David Silva at Villarreal tonight.

With Silva playing in Spain at club level for the first time since leaving Valencia in 2010, there was plenty of interest in the return of the Prodigal Son, for yesterday's Champions League media conference.

"I saw David for the first time when I was with Inter Milan in 2005 and he was a great player then - now he is one of the best in the world and a very important player for us," said Mancini.

"When he arrived at City he took time to settle in and find his feet, but I think playing in England has made him a better player because he has become much stronger and can do everything include making and scoring goals."