Manchester City midfielder David Silva has explained taking the No21.

The 34-year-old will call time on his City career at the end of the season following 10 trophy-laden years at the Etihad Stadium.

"I moved to Eibar a very short time before the beginning of the 2004-05 season and it was the only one available," he told the club's magazine.

"It was given to me. Then I moved to Celta on loan and 21 was already taken, so I took the number 16.

"Afterwards, I went back to Valencia and 19 and 21 were the only numbers left.

"I was wearing the 21 before and it was also the one of Pablo Aimar at Valencia, a player which, in terms of playing style, was the most similar to me, so I wanted it for myself.

"And here's an anecdote I never told to Jaime Gavilán. That year when both of us arrived there, 19 and 21 were the only squad numbers available, and I got on really well with Curro Torres.

"Me and Gavilán, both newcomers, held a raffle and in a moment when he was distracted, Curro told me which one to pick. It was hidden in his hands and I picked the one with the 21.

"We cheated a little bit there… and Gavi was never aware of that.

"And I've been wearing the 21 shirt until now… and I never told him! I hope he will understand…"