David Silva admits he has no regrets at deciding to sign for Manchester City in the summer.
City star reveals he could have been playing for United
David Silva admits he has no regrets at deciding to sign for Manchester City in the summer.
The Spain international might have been plying his trade for Sir Alex Ferguson's side but the United boss previously failed to persuade Valencia to sell their playmaker.
And, after making a £29million move to Eastlands, the World Cup winner is eager to end the club's long wait for silverware, which the United faithful remind their neighbours of every time they visit Old Trafford.
Rivalry
The 25-year-old told the
Sunday Mirror: "The one thing I came to understand very quickly is that football is important to the people of Manchester and that the rivalry between the two clubs is a big part of the culture here.
"Both City and United fans have been respectful to me when I am around town. You get the odd joke comment from the red half, but I like that because it is always done in a good spirit.
"Of course, I wasn't aware of the banner they have at Old Trafford - but I am now and let's hope that in the near future we can put a stop to all of that. The only way to answer things like that is to be successful.
"I never seriously thought about joining United when they asked about me because it was clear at the time that Valencia would not sell.
"I understand there was a conversation between United and my agent, but it came to nothing.
"And it was always going to be City once they made it clear to me how important I would be to them."
Competitiveness
Silva also maintains that the competitive spirit which Roberto Mancini has brought to the club is good for team spirit, despite stories of training ground bust-ups.
He explained: "It can be really ferocious during training sessions.
"We have many big, powerful players here and as one of the smaller guys I really have to concentrate during practice matches to make sure they don't smash into me.
"I would say it is a positive thing that we have that level of competitiveness in training.
"In football, you always get confrontations between team-mates but it starts and ends on the training ground. It happened in Spain and it happens here. These guys are winners. They are here to lift trophies.
"You can't just switch a winning mentality on and off. It is always with you."
