REAL SOCIEDAD’S WEBSITE CRASHED AS DAVID SILVA TAKES A U-TURN AND DECIDES TO SIGN WITH THE SPANISH CLUB AFTER HE WAS INITIALLY LINKED WITH A MOVE TO LAZIO

The 34 year old returns to La Liga after a decade in the Premier League, having originally been tipped to join Lazio.

Real Sociedad have confirmed the shock signing of former Manchester City midfielder David Silva on a free transfer.

Such was the surprise at the move, Real Sociedad’s website crashed shortly after the transfer was confirmed as fans scrambled to find out details of the deal.

Serie A side Lazio were believed to be frontrunners for his signature, but the former Spain international has instead decided to return to La Liga a decade after he left Valencia for Manchester City.

Silva will wear the number 21 shirt at the Anoeta Stadium, which was worn by Norway international Martin Odegaard during his loan spell from Real Madrid last season.

Widely considered one of their greatest ever players, Silva made 436 appearances for Manchester City over 10 seasons, playing an integral role in transforming the club from Premier League also-rans to a footballing powerhouse.

He won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups and three Community Shields during his time in a sky blue.

His final appearance for the club was Saturday’s Champions League quarter-final defeat to Lyon in Lisbon.

Earlier on Monday, City announced their intention to honour the midfielder with a statue outside Etihad Stadium. They will also dedicate a training pitch with a bespoke mosaic to Silva at their City Football Academy.