David Silva shared an emotional moment with the Etihad crowd ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Huddersfield Town on Sunday.
The Spaniard – back in the team after a leg problem – carried out his young son Mateo on to the pitch, just months after the youngster was fighting for his life.
Mateo was born prematurely last December and Silva spent the next five months dashing between Manchester to the Casa de Salud hospital in Valencia to be at his side as he slowly triumphed in his fight for life.
The youngster seems to be moving in the right direction and Silva introduced him to the City faithful before Sunday’s Premier League match against the Terriers.
“It is too early to say all is well with Mateo,” said Silva last month, as he relaxed at the ANFI holiday resort close to his hometown of Arguineguín in Gran Canaria and spoke in honest detail about how his dream of becoming a father for the first time became every parent’s worst nightmare.
“But the good news is that my son is getting stronger and stronger.
“He has to continue with medical tests every now and then, but at least we can think a little about the future.
“It goes without saying that the first few months after my son was born were the toughest of my life.
“You just don’t expect to see your baby fighting for his life.
“It was a crazy time. Looking back you wonder how you coped. I relied on the strength of my girlfriend and my family – and also my team-mates and my club.
“Mateo was also a source of inspiration because of the way he fought.
“I was flying from England to Spain, trying to be with my son, trying to train, going back to Manchester to play for City.
“Mentally it was tough but I had to be strong because I wanted my son to keep fighting.
“Has it changed me as a man? I would say ‘no’ because I have always understood the importance of family.”
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