Manchester City legend Colin Bell has stated that David Silva is one of the best players to have ever represented the club.

The Spain international has been an integral part of the City side since moving from Valencia in 2010, helping them to win two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and League Cup in that time.

Bell, who played for City from 1966 to 1979, says that City are a better team when the 29-year-old is playing.

"David Silva would walk into any City team," Bell told the club's official website.

"He is in my personal greatest all-time XI and is just fantastic to watch. When he's on the ball, he makes the whole team tick and we don't look the same side without him. He has an incredible awareness and is the perfect player for the modern game.

"People ask me how I rate him compared to the players who played during my era and he's up there with the very best."

Silva has scored 40 goals in 231 appearances for City.