Lazio director says he's lost respect for David Silva after move to Real Sociedad
Former Manchester City star David Silva surprised some within the world football community when he put pen to paper on a two-year contract with La Liga side Real Sociedad amid rumors that a switch to Serie A's Lazio was imminent:
It appears Lazio sporting director Igli Tare and the 34-year-old midfielder viewed negotiations differently leading up to Monday's announcement.
Tare hit out at Silva, who won 11 major trophies and four Premier League titles with City, via a statement translated by Reuters (h/t ESPN):
"I've heard about David Silva's transfer to Real Sociedad. I have huge respect for the player but not for the man."
Reuters added that Lazio offered Silva a three-year deal.
Fernando Jimenez, Silva's father, explained during an appearance on Radio Marca that Lazio may have misunderstood the player's intentions.
"There were conversations with Lazio, just like there were with Real Sociedad or other teams. There was nothing finalized," he reportedly said.
"David has been left surprised by their reaction. People can say what they like but Lazio spoke with his agent and not with David."
Silva, a former Spanish international, played for La Liga club Valencia before he left for the English top-flight in the summer of 2010.
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