David Silva hits back at Manchester City's Euro sceptics

David Silva has told Manchester City's critics they cannot be expected to be crowned champions of Europe overnight.

For the second year in a row, Roberto Mancini's men seem destined to be dumped out of the Champions League at the group stage, needing to win their last two games against Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund to stand any chance of reaching the last 16.

But the Spanish international insists the Premier League champions have to be realistic in their European ambitions.

He said: "Three years ago we struggled to get into the Champions League and now we are required to win it - but we must have patience.

"We know that so far, we should have done better in Europe but we can only look forward. We must have patience."

Despite their Euro woes, however, Silva insists he has no regrets about committing his long-term future to City.

The midfield ace had been linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer but chose to commit to City and pen a new five-year contract worth around £120,000-a-week plus bonuses.

And the Spanish international, now contracted at the Etihad Stadium until 2017, told Radio Branca: "I am very happy in Manchester. I am one of the leaders and part of a team. When I play here, I feel very important. Everything works well here and I am happy - so I renewed."