Fans shocked to learn World Cup-winning Premier League legend has Japanese heritage

• Fans stunned to learn former Premier League star has Japanese roots
• The legendary midfielder could even have represented Japan at international level

Fans have been left stunned after an old family portrait of a Premier League great circulated on social media.

One of the most celebrated talents to ever play in the top flight, the midfielder also enjoyed a decorated career at international level.

As a member of the Spain team that won two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup, the player won numerous individual awards during his glittering career.

However, while former Manchester City star David Silva’s life on the pitch has been well documented, fans were shocked to learn he has Japanese ancestry.

A family photo widely shared online shows a young Silva alongside his siblings Nando and Natalia, and his parents Fernando and Eva, the latter of whom has a Japanese parent.

One fan wrote: “No wonder he’s so good with the ball! Damn! Japanese and Spanish perfection!”

Another added: “Oh, David Silva is also from Japan? How did I not know that?”

A Japan fan added: “YOO David Silva is half Japanese, half Spanish?

“Oh my god I didn’t know I remembered watching him in person when he played against West Ham and I was in awe of how he dictated the game, he’s literally one of my favourite midfielders of all time… he should have played for us instead of Spain lol.”

With a Japanese grandparent, Silva could have qualified to represent the Samurai Blue internationally, and potentially been part of a team that reached the knockout stages in South Africa in 2010.

After impressing at Valencia, Silva joined City in the year of Spain’s World Cup triumph, arriving at the club during Roberto Mancini’s tenure.

The midfielder immediately became a vital part of the Citizens’ midfield during a campaign where they beat Stoke City at Wembley to lift the FA Cup, ending a 35-year trophy drought.

At the Etihad, Silva continued to progress, winning the Premier League the following season as City beat bitter rivals Manchester United to the title on the final day.

Silva went on to win four more league titles during his decade at the club, becoming one of City’s most beloved stars before returning to La Liga with Real Sociedad before hanging up his boots last summer.