Manchester City new-boy David Silva has rejected the theory he is too small to make an impact in the Premier League.
Silva has endured a testing acclimatisation period in England, mainly due to his late return for pre-season training and trips to Mexico and Argentina with the Spanish national side. But on Thursday night though he looked like a very accomplished member of the City side as he scored in their Europa League success over Salzburg.
There are some who claim it will be different in the Premier League because Silva lacks the physical stature to make an impact., but Silva said: "I do not agree that I am too small. I know people say you have to be big and strong to play in the Premier League but you cannot just judge a player by their size. You have to look at their other qualities too."
He added: "Look at Spain, we won the World Cup with small players.
"In the Spanish team, we have the three main attributes of a winning team. We are good technically, we are quick, but also strong.
"I'm confident I can be a success in English football. As I have said all along, I just need time."
Silva did speak with international colleagues Jose Reina and Fernando Torres before making his move to England.
They warned him what to expect, although, with his family based in Gran Canaria where they are looking after his World Cup winners' medal, there is one aspect of English life that stands out - and it is not even winter yet.
"It's very different to Spain. The weather is obviously different and Manchester is colder," he said.
"But it is a wonderful experience and one I want to treasure and take forward."
Source: PA
