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6 months ago
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Real Madrid and Real Sociedad gave Manchester City and Spain legend, David Silva, an emotional guard of honour on Friday evening.
Silva was taking the ceremonial kick-off at the Reale Arena before the LaLiga clash and was greeted by players from both teams who made a tunnel for him to walk down towards the centre circle on.
The 38-year-old retired from football last year and was invited back to Sociedad as a special guest of the club for their test against Carlo Ancelotti's star-studded Madrid team.
Madrid went on to win the tight affair 1-0 as Arda Guler scored on his first start of the season to extend Los Blancos' unbeaten run in La Liga to 25 games.
But, the pre-match procession was all about Silva as the legendary midfielder was celebrated for his achievements at both Sociedad and the national team.
Real Madrid and Real Sociedad gave Manchester City and Spain legend, David Silva, an emotional guard of honour on Friday evening
Silva was delighted as he was given a heroes return at the Reale Arena before the LaLiga clash
The Spain legend took the ceremonial pre-match kick-off before the LaLiga clash
He beamed as he walked out onto the touch waving at the crowd and showing appreciation for both sets of players as fans in the ground also gave him a standing ovation.
Dressed in a stylish all-black ensemble, he was also presented with a special Sociedad suit pin while images of a magicians hat were beamed onto screens around the stadium.
Silva then kicked the ball off the pitch on the referees whistle to complete the emotional pre-match show of gratitude.
Silva is an icon in Spain after winning two European Championships and one FIFA World Cup with the nation during a decade of dominance for the team packed with former superstars.
Silva was also encouraged to be part of Real Sociedad's pre-match squad picture
Meanwhile, his club success largely came at Man City where Silva established himself among the Premier League's greatest midfielders and won multiple major honours.
Silva won the four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and five League cups during his 10-year spell in England's north-west before eventually departing for Sociedad in 2020.
Early success at Valencia paved the way for his transfer to England and his return to Spain with Sociedad resulted in the midfielder helping the club win the Spanish Cup four-years ago.
Silva is still well-loved by fans and staff at Sociedad and along with being given a guard of honour on Friday, was also encouraged to join in with his former team's pre-match squad picture.
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