The biggest cheer and sustained applause at the Etihad on Saturday was not for any of Erling Haaland's four goals or lap of honour, but for a returning legend before kick-off.
Back at Manchester City for the first time since leaving in 2020, David Silva enjoyed a fine spell at Real Sociedad before calling time on a glorious career last summer.
He returned to the ground that has his statue outside and earned the adoration of a City fanbase who never got to say a proper goodbye during the Covid years.
This was a farewell ovation four years in the making and it lasted a good few minutes, sustained and sincere. Haaland is the hero these days but he still has some way to earn the genuine love of Silva, who walked out with his young family including son Mateo, who is a lot bigger than the last time he was on the Etihad pitch, and enjoyed a high-five with Moonbeam. ALSO READ: Man City player ratings vs Wolves as Erling Haaland and Rodri class ALSO READ: What Haaland did before and after fourth City goal should worry Arsenal Taking his seat in the stands, Silva will have been delighted with the City side that have moved on without him, in particular with the development of Phil Foden.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk