Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has revealed that he is surprised that neither Barcelona or Real Madrid made an offer to sign David Silva when the player left Valencia in 2010.
Instead, the Spanish midfielder joined Mancini's City for a reported £24m fee and has gone on to become one of the club's star players.
After Saturday's 3-0 victory over Wigan Athletic, Mancini described the 25-year-old as "one of the best players in the world".
"Silva is a top, top player. I don't know why he didn't go to Barca or Real Madrid because he's Spanish but we are lucky because he's here," said Mancini.
"If he had gone to Barca two years ago everyone would say he's one of the best players in the world - and he is one of the best players in the world.
"He's different from Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo because they are strikers and score a lot of goals but I think he's the same as Xavi and Iniesta."
Silva has scored two goals in the Premier League so far this season.
Liam Apicella
