• Champions League

Mancini has made me into world's best - Silva

ESPN staff
October 17, 2011
David Silva has thanked Roberto Mancini for showing faith in him © Getty Images
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David Silva has credited Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini for helping him become one of the best players in the world.

The Spaniard cost City £26 million from Valencia in June 2010, and has enjoyed an outstanding start to the season, with two goals and five assists. In a squad of global superstars, Mancini has singled out Silva for praise, but the playmaker insists his current form is entirely down to the City boss.

"I am very grateful for the comments he has made," Silva said. "But first and foremost I am even more grateful for the faith he has shown in me since I signed for the club. It is always very difficult when you are changing countries, changing leagues, changing style of football.

"But now I am in my second season here I feel more settled than ever and I am very happy both on and off the field. That is thanks to [Mancini], his backroom staff and my team-mates. Because I am happy off the field I am showing good form on it now."

City capitalised on Manchester United's draw at Liverpool at the weekend as their win over Aston Villa saw them move top of the Premier League. Mancini's men now turn their focus to their Champions League clash against Villarreal, and with just one point from their opening two matches, the Spaniard knows Tuesday's match is one City cannot afford to lose.

"It is a very important match for us. We have got to get those three points," Silva said. "If we don't get those three points there is going to be some distance between us and the teams at the top. It would be very tough after that."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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