He has a lot of strength.
It's easy to hate Manchester City because they're so good, but it's impossible to feel the same way about David Silva.
The Spaniard, so long City's creative mastermind, sparkled at Stoke on Monday night as he netted a brace in a 2-0 win, moving Pep Guardiola's side to within two wins of clinching the Premier League title.
Silva was typically imperious, effortlessly dropping into pockets of space and slicing through the Potters defence with precise passes and penetrating runs.
At 32, he's playing some of the best football of his career. By his exemplary standards, that's saying something.
Silva flourishing for City is made all the more commendable when you consider how difficult things are for him off the pitch.
In December, his son, Mateo, was born prematurely. As a result, Silva has been granted leave from his duties at City in order to make regular trips to and from Spain, where his family are based.
And while his son's health of course remains the priority, Silva's ability to remain focused and professional on the pitch is a testament to his strength of character.
“I think, when I play football, I forget everything. It’s good for me to play,” Silva told Sky Sports after City's win over Stoke.
“I know in my private life it is not a very happy moment. But my son is fighting, you know, and I am very happy because he is getting stronger, getting better, so it is OK.”
It's encouraging to hear that his son is getting 'stronger' and 'better.' As football fans, we love seeing Silva playing as much as possible. To watch him is to behold a master craftsman, a majestic footballing presence who has terrorised defences in England for the best part of a decade now.
However, it's important to remember that football is not the most important thing. Silva's difficult personal situation really puts things into perspective but it's wonderfully honest of the man to say that football still holds the power to help him forget 'everything' and do what he loves.
We hope his son continues to recover. He is clearly a fighter, just like his dad.
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