An emotional Etihad Stadium crowd watched on as both sets of players gave Silva a guard of honour as he exited the pitch.
During a nine-year stay at Man City, the Portuguese international has won 20 major honours and made 460 appearances, becoming one of the most influential players of the Guardiola era.
Now leaving the club on a free transfer in June, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are two of the front runners for Silva's signature, and the former had already offered him a €6 million per year contract plus bonuses, but his asking price is €8m.
According to TEAMtalk, Atleti are now ready to hijack the Italian's move and have "accelerated their pursuit" for the Portuguese playmaker.
The 31-year-old has been offered a two-year deal by both clubs, and his preference is to remain in Europe, despite interest from Saudi Arabia.