Man City midfielder David Silva insists qualification for the Champions League next season is 'fundamental.'
City 'going places' says expensive new recruit
New Manchester City midfielder David Silva insists qualification for the UEFA Champions League next season is 'fundamental.'
The Spain World Cup winner signed from Valencia for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £25million, at the beginning of the summer transfer window.
Silva, 24, gave up the opportunity of playing in Europe's elite club competition with his former club to be a part of the ambitious project at Eastlands.
Another summer of high-profile arrivals at City has turned them into title candidates, but Silva is prepared to take one step at a time and he is targeting a top-four finish in the upcoming campaign.
"The Champions League is the most important competition, it's fundamental to be involved in it," Silva told
The Guardian.
"Money is not the main issue here. What is important is trying to win trophies and get in the Champions League. And I know I can do that here.
"This club is going places I want to visit."
Potential
City have not won the top flight since 1968 and their last cup success was the 1976 League Cup, but Silva admits their potential to head back to the big time was a defining aspect of his decision to sign for Roberto Mancini's side.
"I was aware that they weren't in the top two or three English teams," said the winger, who has 38 caps for his country.
"I haven't gone into the history too much, but I know they haven't won a trophy for many, many years.
"But I was also made aware of the future plans, and the type of players they are buying to match the other clubs and try to win the title."
Silva had been coveted by a number of Premier League clubs for some time, with Liverpool and Chelsea regularly linked with the player in the past.
The Reds' financial problems ousted them out of the running for his signature this summer but Silva revealed he turned to his compatriots at Anfield for advice ahead of agreeing to his switch.
"I spoke to [Fernando] Torres and [Pepe] Reina about what it would be like moving to England and they confirmed it will be very competitive and that it is a great place to play."
