David Silva will not get the send-off he deserves in his final home appearance for Manchester City against Real Madrid at an empty Etihad but a fairytale ending could still be in store for the "Magician".

Silva has won 11 domestic trophies in his golden decade in Manchester and is widely regarded as one of the Premier League's finest imports.

But despite City's domestic supremacy they have yet to get their hands on the Champions League trophy.

The 34-year-old Spaniard was one of the first star names to join the Abu-Dhabi-backed revolution in Manchester.

Now he has a final shot at the one major trophy missing from his impressive collection, which includes winners' medals with Spain from the World Cup and two European championships.

City, who have never been crowned European champions, on Friday host 13-time winners Madrid, leading 2-1 after the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in February.

The winners will progress to the latter stages of the competition, scheduled to take place in Lisbon later this month.

Kevin De Bruyne, who has had the joy of playing alongside Silva for the past five years, says his teammate will leave a huge hole when he leaves the Etihad.

"He is going to be a big miss," said the Belgium midfielder. "It would be great if we could win the Champions League so it could end well for him."

De Bruyne believes Silva is one of the best players to have graced the Premier League.

"You can always debate who is (number) one but when you play with him you can appreciate what he does day-in, day-out," he said.

Special player

City boss Pep Guardiola coached Lionel Messi and Silva's long-time international teammates Andres Iniesta and Xavi at Barcelona but claims "in small spaces, in the pockets, I never saw a player like him (Silva)".

Finishing the job against Madrid would be particularly sweet for a player who rarely received the same fanfare as players such as Xavi, Iniesta and Sergio Ramos in his homeland for Spain's three international tournament triumphs between 2008 and 2012.

Silva is the fourth-highest goalscorer in Spain's history and sixth for all-time appearances, but his decision to join City rather than make the move to Madrid or Barcelona when leaving Valencia a decade ago made him easier to overlook for many in Spain.

"If he had gone to Barcelona everyone would be saying he is one of the best players in the world," said Roberto Mancini, City manager when Silva arrived in Manchester.

Silva's selfless style and quiet demeanour have also contributed to a lack of individual awards but he has always been appreciated by his teammates.

“He’s someone who doesn’t talk much, but he leads by example," added Guardiola. "He is such a competitor."

Although City may now be more reliant on De Bruyne's brilliance than Silva's skill, the Spaniard's experience of winning some of the game's biggest prizes could be crucial against a side boasting a host of four-time Champions League winners.

Since football's restart in June, City have won all eight games in which they have scored the first goal by a combined score of 33-1, including a 4-0 rout of Liverpool, but have lost all three when they conceded first.

Two away goals in Madrid mean there is no onus on City to open themselves up and expose a shaky defence, which cost them nine defeats and their Premier League crown.

It is not Guardiola's way to defend with men behind the ball, but they can protect themselves by keeping possession.

There are few better at that than Silva and City need one more masterclass before he draws the curtain on his time in Manchester.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Dave Thompson

As the Premier League approaches the penultimate gameweek of the 2019-20 season, the race for the top four looks to be going down to the wire. Chelsea, Leicester City and Manchester United won their respective matches in the previous gameweek and they will be keen to carry that momentum into their last two league encounters this season.

Apart from the Champions League spots, Europa League berths are also up for the grabs with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur looking to secure European football next season. Here, we have a look at five in-form players who could make a difference to their team’s fortunes in the upcoming gameweek and help you Nostragamus fantasy managers.

Player: Nick Pope

Team: Burnley

Match: Norwich City vs Burnley

Nick Pope has been an absolute revelation and the English goalkeeper’s performances this season has put him in the reckoning for the Three Lions�?first-choice shot-stopper. He has kept 14 clean sheets for Burnley and been one of their most influential players this season.

The fact that he has an organised backline ahead of him does make life in goal easier for him. That said, he’s come to his side’s rescue plenty of times this campaign. Having him in goal is a safe and smart choice, especially when considering Burnley’s recent form as well as the fact that Norwich are relegated and might just be going through the motions.  

Player: Anthony Martial

Team: Manchester United

Match: Manchester United vs West Ham United

The most in-form striker in the Premier League, no player in the league has scored more goals in all competitions in 2020 than the Frenchman’s 12. He has netted six times since Project Restart �?the most by any player �?and has also provided three assists.

Besides his goal return, Martial’s frightening movement and ability to stitch play together in United’s attacking-third has been a source of nightmares for opposition defences. He is currently enjoying his best-ever season, having found the back of the net 22 times for the Red Devils in the 2019-20 campaign.

Player: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Team: Arsenal

Match: Aston Villa vs Arsenal

Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be in a confident frame of mind when he leads the Gunners out for their midweek clash against Aston Villa. The Gabonese striker netted twice in Arsenal’s FA Cup semi-final win against Manchester City over the weekend and he will be looking to continue his scoring form against Villa.

Third in the Premier League’s Golden Boot race with 20 goals this season, Aubameyang has two games to add to his tally and overtake Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy, who has 23 goals but only one remaining game to play in the ongoing campaign. Aubameyang also netted the winner against Aston Villa in their first league meeting this season and he will be looking for a repeat of that on Tuesday.

Player: Mohamed Salah

Team: Liverpool

Match: Liverpool vs Chelsea

Liverpool and Mohamed Salah will want to finish their last match of the season at Anfield in style before lifting their first Premier League title in 30 years. Their Egyptian talisman has enjoyed another productive season with the Reds and is their top-scorer in the league with 19 goals.

He could have had even more with better finishing in the last couple of gameweeks and will be looking to add to his tally against Chelsea’s frail defence. Salah scored a stunning goal against Chelsea in the Blues�?last visit to Anfield in the league and one wouldn’t put it past him to score more goals at the expense of his ex-club at the home of the champions.  

Player: David Silva

Team: Manchester City

Match: Watford vs Manchester City

A loyal servant and a club legend, David Silva hasn’t had as much of an influence on City’s ongoing campaign as he has in past seasons. Competing in his last full season with the club, Silva seems to be reminding everyone of what they are going to miss once he leaves the club following 10 years of exemplary service.

Renowned for his quality on the ball, the Spanish playmaker has registered at least 10 assists across all competitions in each of his 10 seasons with the club. His recent exploits over freekicks that��s seen him hit the back of the net twice shows that he continues to improve at the age of 34. With just a couple more league games left to play before calling time on his spell with City, you can rest assured that he will be looking to go out with a bang.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Pete Powell

Pep Guardiola praised David Silva as the "incredible" Manchester City playmaker turned on the style one more time in Wednesday's 5-0 rout of Newcastle.

Silva scored a superb free-kick and set up goals for Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling at the Etihad Stadium.

The 34-year-old is leaving City at the end of the season after a decade's outstanding service.

Although all games are currently being played behind closed doors due to the global virus, Guardiola wants Silva to return for a farewell game to allow City fans to give him a proper send-off.

"It is not the game today, which was incredible, but what he has done over 10 years," Guardiola said.

"When the people come back to the Etihad Stadium, we will do a farewell game for one of the legends of this club.

"He is maybe the best in the small spaces. Moving between the lines, I have never seen anyone like him.

"He has come back from lockdown in incredible form and rhythm. If he decides to play on, he can play anywhere. There is no doubt about this."

With City's record goalscorer Sergio Aguero a long-term absentee after knee surgery, Guardiola needs Jesus to start firing on all cylinders.

He finally stepped up to the plate with the first-half strike.

It was Jesus' 19th goal of the season, but just his second in his last 12 Premier League matches, banishing a nine-game barren run in all competitions.

Riyad Mahrez increased City's lead and Federico Fernandez's own goal was followed by Silva's free-kick and a late Sterling strike.

Guardiola's side have only pride to play for in the remainder of the Premier League season after Liverpool took the title.

But second-placed City, who won the League Cup in March, still have silverware in their sights as they await the result of their appeal against a two-season ban from European competition.

They face an FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal on July 18 and the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Real Madrid in August, with City holding a 2-1 lead.

After losing two of their last three league games, Guardiola had warned his players to cut out the mistakes that have blighted their season.

With that in mind, Guardiola was encouraged by the ruthless way they put Newcastle to the sword.

'No doubts'

"At Southampton, I had no doubts about the way we played but this game is about winning," he said.

"Now we have four weeks to finish second, score a lot of goals. We want to score goals, respect the football and prepare well for Arsenal and (Real) Madrid."

Guardiola insisted this week that Jesus had produced "one of his best performances of this season" in Sunday's defeat at Southampton.

The 23-year-old repaid Guardiola's faith in the 10th minute, meeting Silva's pass with a close-range finish for his first goal since netting at Real Madrid in February.

City midfielder Phil Foden dragged his shot wide from a tight angle after a dangerous burst into the Newcastle area.

Guardiola's men were in complete control and doubled their lead in the 21st minute.

Foden sent Kevin De Bruyne away down the left side of the Newcastle area and the Belgian's cut-back was slotted home by Mahrez for his 12th goal of the season.

City's relentless pressure produced a third goal in the 58th minute when Jesus's raid panicked Matt Ritchie into a desperate clearance that cannoned off Fernandez into his own net.

In the final months of his last season with City, Silva remains a class act and he made it four with a fine free-kick that left Dubravka rooted to the spot in the 65th minute.

Sterling's 90th-minute tap-in made it 17 goals for City in their four home games since the restart.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Oli Scarff

Manchester City have dominated the domestic football scene in England for the past two campaigns, but have been found wanting this season. Pep Guardiola’s side have fallen well behind Liverpool in the title race, leaving much work to do for the Cityzens ahead of the next campaign.

There is expected to be major activity at the Etihad once the transfer window opens. With that in mind, we take a look at the current Manchester City squad and assess who might stay at the club beyond the summer and who might not.

Goalkeepers

Ederson

Ederson has grown into one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. The Brazilian is a pivotal player in Guardiola’s side.

Verdict: Stays.

Claudio Bravo

The Chilean has never been able to nail down a spot at Manchester City since joining from Barcelona. At 37 years of age and his contract nearing expiry, Claudio Bravo’s time at the club is nearing an end. Arijanet Muric, who is currently out on loan, should become the second-choice goalkeeper.

Verdict: Leaves.

Scott Carson

Signed as the third-choice goalkeeper on loan from Derby County in the summer, Scott Carson hasn’t played a single game for City. Yet, with his contract at Derby expiring, Guardiola could opt to keep hold of the 34-year-old for another season.

Verdict: Stays.

Read | Who could stay or leave this summer? Liverpool’s squad assessed

Defence

Aymeric Laporte

A pivotal member of Guardiola’s side, his injury-enforced absence has been a major blow for City this season. There has been some interest from Barcelona to secure his signing in the summer. However, City wouldn’t want to start their title challenge next season by losing their best defender.

Verdict: Stays. Without a doubt.

John Stones

Regarded as one of the best in England only a few years ago, John Stones�?fall from grace has been rather swift. Injury issues and a loss of confidence has resulted in a drastic reduction of his game time this season.

There are several Premier League clubs interested in signing him and Guardiola himself is eyeing defensive additions. But given Stones�?age and the early form that he had shown at the club, Pep might fancy giving him another opportunity rather than severely depleting his options at the back.

Verdict: Stays.

Nicolas Otamendi

The erroneous 32-year-old has been preferred over John Stones at times this season and is contracted with the club till 2022. But with Guardiola looking to sign new defenders, it could be Otamendi whose name ends up on the chopping block given his age.

Verdict: Leaves.

Eric Garcia

The 19-year-old has been used sparingly by Guardiola this season, but every time he has been given an opportunity, Garcia has done reasonably well. While he would have stood to benefit by a loan spell away from the Etihad, the youngster is likely to stay at the club and continue his integration into the first-team.

Verdict: Stays.

Read | Premier League 2019/20: Three players who exceeded expectations

Benjamin Mendy

Signed amid much fanfare in 2017, Benjamin Mendy’s career at Manchester City has been blighted by injuries, one after the other. Nevertheless, when fit, the Frenchman is a great asset and has a future at the club.

Verdict: Stays.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

The versatile Ukrainian hasn’t been at his best this season. But his adaptability offers great value to this Manchester City side. Having signed a long-term contract less than a year ago, he is going nowhere.

Verdict: Stays.

Kyle Walker

Another full-back who penned a long-term contract in June last year, Walker is a guaranteed starter week in week out for Guaridola.

Verdict: Stays.

Joao Cancelo

Signed last summer from Juventus, it has been far from smooth sailing for Cancelo at Manchester City. The Portuguese hasn’t been able to displace Walker from the starting XI and hasn’t been used regularly by the manager.

This has led to speculations over his future, with City reportedly considering a swap with Barcelona for Nelson Semedo. Despite the rumours, Cancelo is someone who fits into Guardiola’s philosophy and the manager himself has claimed that the full-back is a long-term addition for the club.

Verdict: Stays.

Midfielders

Rodri

The club record signing has stepped into the defensive midfield role and performed admirably in his debut season.

Verdict: Stays.

Fernandinho

At 34, Fernandinho doesn’t have a lot of football at the top level left in him but the Brazilian has reinvented himself as a centre-back this season and has been a key player for Guardiola. Moreover, the veteran signed a new one-year contract in January earlier this year.

Verdict: Stays.

Ilkay Gundogan

The German midfielder has thrived in the past couple of seasons under Guardiola, putting behind all injury issues that bothered him early on and signed a new contract till 2023 in August 2019.

Verdict: Stays.

David Silva

The man who carried the creative mantle for Manchester City for the entire decade, David Silva is out of contract at the end of the season and has made it clear he wishes to return to Spain. Premier League will bid goodbye to a legend.

Verdict: Leaves.

Read | Premier League team of the season so far

Kevin De Bruyne

The best midfielder in the Premier League without a doubt, De Bruyne has been the chief driving force behind Manchester City’s success under Guardiola. The potential lack of Champions League football for the next season due to the FIFA-imposed ban could prompt other big clubs to make a move. But a transfer at this juncture is extremely unlikely.

Verdict: Stays.

Phil Foden

The man earmarked to replace David Silva in the first-team by Guardiola, Foden showed his class in City’s Carabao Cup triumph against Aston Villa in February. Expect more of the same next season.

Verdict: Stays.

Attackers

Raheem Sterling

One of the biggest beneficiaries of Guardiola’s mentoring, Sterling has turned into a world-class attacker under the Catalan coach’s tutelage. An indispensable member of this Manchester City side.

Verdict: Stays.

Leroy Sane

The German has hardly played this season due to injury, but is seen as a key member of the team by Guardiola.

However, Bayern Munich have made no secret of their interest in the winger, which could turn his head. Moreover, with his contract expiring next year, City might deem it best to offload Leroy Sane and reinvest in the summer.

Verdict: Leaves.

Bernardo Silva

The Portuguese’s form has experienced a slight dip in comparison to last season but his ability on the ball and the versatility he offers makes him a vital player for Manchester City. Bernardo Silva signed a long-term contract only last year.

Verdict: Stays.

Riyad Mahrez

After a rather dull debut season, Algerian Riyad Mahrez has stepped it up a notch this season and grown into a key player for the Cityzens.

Verdict: Stays.

Sergio Aguero

At 31, Manchester City’s all-time leading goalscorer is still going strong. He has just one year left on his current contract but an exit at this stage is extremely unlikely. However, it is time for Man City to put in place a long-term succession plan for Aguero.

Verdict: Stays.

Gabriel Jesus

Having shown signs of potential for a number of years now, Gabriel Jesus has added the element of consistency to his game this season. He seems ready to carry the mantle of the club’s premier centre-forward if and when Aguero decides it is time to move on.

Verdict: Stays.

Feature image couretsy: AFP / Oli Scarff

Manchester City have enjoyed a dramatic rise to prominence over the last decade. Having been under the shadows of their illustrious neighbours - Manchester United - for ages, the investment from Sheikh Mansour has turned them into the most successful English side in the last decade. 

Since 2010, Manchester City have won four Premier League titles �?more than any other side, while also lifting five League Cups and two FA Cups. European success continues to elude them, but there is no taking away the fact that they have been one of the most dominant teams in England in the recent past.

And a lot of it is down to their recruitment. The boost from the new owner’s investment allowed Manchester City to go after the best of the best in the transfer market and that has seen them reap great rewards. 

Read | Juventus�?top five signings from the last decade

But who have been the Citizens�?top acquisitions during what has been an extremely successful period for the club? Let��s find out;

Yaya Toure 

One of the cornerstones on which Manchester City’s success over the past decade was built upon, Yaya Toure signed for the Mancunian outfit in the summer of 2010 from La Liga giants Barcelona. In his eight-year stint with the club, the Ivorian went on to establish himself as one of the greatest midfielders in the history of the club, as well as the Premier League.

Toure made over 300 appearances for Manchester City, scoring 79 goals and setting up 50 more. The midfield powerhouse became renowned for his powerful, lung-bursting forays from the middle and his long-range stunners that left opponents and fans dumbstruck.

An all-action midfielder, Toure could do it all when on the field. The midfielder’s reputation did take a dent towards the end of his career at City, but he will go down as an absolute legend who played an integral role in ushering a new era at the club.

Read | Inter Milan’s top five signings from the last decade

David Silva 

Another of the building blocks of Manchester City’s glory years, David Silva arrived at the club in the same window as Yaya Toure and along with him, led the Citizens to unbridled success. 

Nicknamed �?/span>El Mago�?for his excellent technical ability and vision, David Silva has been one of the chief driving forces behind the heights that Manchester City have soared to. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the Citizens might not have been able to achieve the same level of success without the Spaniard in their ranks.

Silva, till date, has amassed over 400 appearances for the club, scoring 74 goals and setting up almost double that number. The midfielder was named club captain after Vincent Kompany’s departure last summer. However, Silva himself will be moving on from the Etihad when his contract runs out later this year.

Read | Real Madrid’s top five signings from the last decade

Sergio Aguero

The man that delivered Manchester CIty’s first-ever Premier League title. That late goal against QPR in the 2011/12 season would alone have been enough for Aguero to go down as a legend at Manchester City. But the Argentine international has achieved so much more during his time at the Etihad and will long be remembered as one of the greatest strikers to have graced the Premier League. 

Signed from Atletico Madrid in 2011, Aguero wrote himself into the annals of the club��s history with that epic goal in his debut campaign itself. The Argentine backed it up with loads of goals year after year, eventually going on to become the all-time leading goalscorer for Manchester City and fourth-highest goal-getter in the history of the Premier League.

In 368 fixtures for Manchester City, Aguero has plundered 254 goals, 180 of which have come in the Premier League and assisted 72 more. At 31, he might not be able to break Alan Shearer’s record of most PL goals, but he will have his sights set firmly on Andy Cole (187) and Wayne Rooney (208).

Fernandinho

Every successful team needs that one player who is willing to get his hands dirty and perform the often-thankless task of breaking up play in the centre and circulating the ball forward to let his attacking teammates work their magic. And in Fernandinho, Manchester City found just the right person for the role.

The Brazilian, signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, immediately became an integral member of Manchester City and still continues to be a pivotal part of the team at the age of 34. One of the most well-rounded defensive midfielders in the Premier League, Fernandinho, in his prime, could do it all. Till date, he has made 304 appearances for the Sky Blues, scoring 23 goals and creating 25.

Read | Barcelona’s top five signings from the last decade

As is the case often with the defensive anchors, the Brazilian doesn’t always get the recognition his more attack-minded teammates do. But his contribution to City’s success over the past years cannot be overstated.

Kevin De Bruyne

Having been discarded by Chelsea only a few years ago, Kevin De Bruyne returned to the Premier League during the 2015/16 season, joining Manchester City from Wolfsburg. And ever since, the Belgian international has grown into one of the best attacking midfielders not only in England but the world.

The 28-year-old is one of the crown jewels of this Manchester City side. Exceptional range of passing, great vision and technical ability, and a keen eye for a goal, Kevin De Bruyne has been the driving force behind Pep Guardiola’s record-breaking Manchester City side. 

De Bruyne has a tally of 50 goals and 86 assists from 209 appearances for Manchester City. The 28-year-old has been particularly brilliant this season even though Man City are well behind Liverpool in the title race. Currently on 17 assists from 26 league games, the 28-year-old looks to be on his way to break Thierry Henry’s record for most assists in a single season in the Premier League (20), when the campaign resumes.

Manchester City captain David Silva looks set to miss the top of the table clash with leaders Liverpool on Sunday due to injury, said City manager Pep Guardiola.

The 33-year-old Spanish attacking midfielder in his last season with the club suffered a muscular injury towards the end of the first-half of Saturday's 2-1 win over Southampton.

Guardiola, whose side trail Liverpool by six points in the table, disclosed no more about the nature of the injury but it normally entails an absence of just under two weeks. 

"David Silva was injured," said Guardiola. "Five minutes before the first half ended he told me he had a muscular problem.

"When he has a muscular problem and cannot play more minutes it is because he has something and when it is a muscular problem it is always a minimum of 10-12 days."

Guardiola, whose side also faces a Champions League clash with Italian outfit Atalanta on Wednesday, admitted Liverpool's home record of not having lost at Anfield since January 2017 was a daunting prospect.

Liverpool have also not been beaten in the league since their loss at the Etihad last January and have dropped just two points this term -- a 1-1 draw with City's neighbours Manchester United.

"How many centuries and they don't lose at Anfield? We will see," he joked.

"Now we go to Italy and when we come back we go to Anfield. Many things are going to happen and there are a lot of games to play," he added, , denying the match would be pivotal as to who wins the title

Guardiola also ruled out taking Atalanta for granted and putting out a second-string team for the game at the San Siro.

Victory would secure City a place in the knockout stages.

"Do you think we can prioritise four titles in one season if we prioritise games?" said Guardiola.

"We're going to play with the best team possible to win at Atalanta and after we go to Anfield.

"The best way to go to Anfield is to play a good game against Atalanta, who have been fighting with the top clubs in Italy for the last two or three seasons." 

Featured image courtesy: AFP/ Paul Ellis

The most dramatic conclusion to Premier League season happened back in 2012 when Manchester City lifted the esteemed league title after a span of 44 years. The adrenaline was worth it, the tears were worth it and the scenery when the prolonged wait for a title came to an end, was undoubtedly worth every penny.

However, since the triumphant season in 2012, the squad has been revamped and revitalized at various intervals as the Citizens tasted resounding success in the past five seasons. Given the fact that this all started seven years back, lets dwell on the players who made it all possible and where are they now.

Joe Hart

The England international was the first choice between the nets for City’s then manager Roberto Mancini as he enjoyed a successful stint that season. Hart kept 19 clean sheets in the Premier League that season and was a rock-solid figure for the Citizens. He was loaned out to Torino in 2016 and West Ham United in 2017 before eventually joining Burnley in 2018.

Vincent Kompany

City’s most beloved player, Vincent Kompany was the architect of defence in their ascent to glory. He guided the team all along and was an impeccable defender for the Citizens. He struck that crucial goal last season against Leicester City to propel City to yet another league title before leaving the club for RSC Anderlecht.

Pablo Zabaleta

The Argentinian defender ensured that the Citizens didn’t lose the momentum on the left flank. After joining City back in 2008 from Espanyol, Pablo Zabaleta was stern at the back on the day of their final encounter against Queens Park Rangers in 2012. He moved to West Ham United in the 2017/18 season.

Read | Why Manchester City and not Liverpool are still the best team in England

Joleon Lescott

Joleon Lescott’s tenure at City was fruitful in 2012 as he became an instrumental member of the back line at the time and was a regular starter for the Citizens. The center-back was asked to leave back in 2014 when City were in a bid to revamp their entire defensive model. He eventually retired at Sunderland in 2017.

Gael Clichy

Image: AFP / Glyn Kirk

Joining City from rivals Arsenal in 2011, French defender Gael Clichy made those lung bursting runs on the flank and was renowned for his extensive work rate. He remained with the blue side of Manchester until 2017 and made his move to Istanbul Basaksehir FK in Turkey, where he still plays.

Samir Nasri

Samir Nasri was one of the hottest properties in football back in the 2011/12 season. Arsenal let him join City in the triumphant season itself and the French midfielder delivered his promise by providing five goals and nine crucial assists in that season. He was loaned to Sevilla in 2016 and at present is playing with his ex-teammate, Kompany at RSC Anderlecht.

Gareth Barry

Before being loaned out to Everton in 2013, Gareth Barry was a pivotal figure in City’s midfield, especially in the 2012 season. He made 34 appearances in the league that season and drove the City’s midfield engine. All is not well for Barry as of now. He moved to West Bromwich Albion in 2017 and is now without a club. He is although training with the club at present.

David Silva

Arguably City’s most influential player in dictating the play, David Silva is still serving the team he helped lift the trophy back in 2012. He’s been at City since 2010 and has lifted four Premier League titles at the Etihad stadium. The Spaniard’s record in the title winning season back in 2012 was phenomenal as he racked up a total of 17 assists in the league.

Yaya Toure

Image: AFP / Graham Stuart

Yaya Toure came to City after a three-year stint with Spanish giants Barcelona. His unparalleled determination paved the way for City’s historic success in 2012 when he netted six goals and provided seven valuable assists in the entire season. The 36-year-old is now attached with a club in China named Qingdao Huanghai.

Sergio Aguero

Manchester City’s most prolific forward of all time, Sergio Aguero has only nourished and turned into a world class striker. He is going strong with the Citizens and his goal scoring abilities have taken new leaps. Since scoring the memorable title-winner against QPR, the Argentine striker has gone on to become the club’s top-scorer.

Read | Five Players who played for both Manchester City and Manchester United

Carlos Tevez

Manchester United fans were displeased when they witnessed their ex-player lifting the title with their neighbours. Although, Tevez played just 13 games in the league in 2012, he scored four goals and gave three invaluable assists. He traversed around making his way to Juventus, Boca Juniors and SH Shenhua in subsequent years, but decided to come back to Boca Juniors in 2018.

Mario Balotelli

Known for his flamboyance and gimmicks on the pitch, Mario Balotelli provided the goals that City desperately needed back then. He netted 13 goals and was slowly emerging as one of the most promising forwards in the world at the time. Since leaving City in 2013, the Italian striker has become more of a journeyman, representing the likes of AC Milan (twice), Liverpool, Nice, Marseille before settling at Brescia Calcio in Serie A.

Edin Dzeko

Currently leading the pack at AS Roma in Italy, Edin Dzeko’s equalizer in stoppage time turned the tides for City and made them believe that they could lift the title. He enjoyed a successful campaign with the Citizens with 14 goals and made a famous comeback possible that will be echoed across the Etihad stadium for ages.

Feature image courtesy: AFP/ Paul Ellis