Valencia CF's game against Real Sociedad on Matchday 7 was scheduled to be another reunion with a club legend. David Silva, who came up through the VCF Academy and played three seasons with the first team, had most recently turned out for the Txuri Urdin in LaLiga, but was forced into retirement this summer.

In his time at Valencia CF, he lifted the Copa del Rey in 2008 and played a total of 167 official games, providing 38 goals and 38 assists. He left for Manchester City in 2010, where he enjoyed the longest and most successful spell of his career.

Brought back to LaLiga in 2020, Silva joined Real Sociedad, allowing him to turn out against Valencia CF on three occasions in the league. The first was almost three years ago to the day,on September 29th, 2020, at the Reale Arena.

The midfield maestro played against Valencia CF on two occasions in the 2021/22 campaign, including a return to Mestalla on February 2nd, 2022 -where he was received with a rousing ovation by fans.

Last season, Silva would not be reunited with the club on the field of play, as he was unavailable for the game at Mestalla and was an unused substitute last November in a 1-1 draw at the Reale Arena.

Although he had extended his contract with Real Sociedad, a serious knee injury in preseason back in July led to Silva announcing his retirement at the age of 37.