Spanish football star David Silva took time off from training to pay a visit to Blue Planet Aquarium in Cheshire Oaks last week.

The Manchester City playmaker enjoyed a guided tour around the Ellesmere Port attraction with park director Andy Hygate and members of the aquarium’s zoological team.

Silva, 28, who was born on Gran Canaria, also used the visit to officially announce his new role as an ambassador for Anfi, a luxury holiday company which is one of the biggest employers in his home town of Arguineguin.

Andy said: “It was a real pleasure to have the opportunity to meet David in person and to give him a guided tour around the aquarium.

“He seemed to have a genuine interest in the displays and was particularly impressed by our giant underwater walkthrough tunnel and the three-metre-long sand tiger sharks that call it home.

“During the tour he also met staff and got to watch a number of our feeding displays as well as a demonstration from our team of scuba divers.

“We have also invited him back to dive with the sharks at a later date and he definitely sounded interested at the opportunity.”

Since arriving at Manchester City back in 2010 from Valencia, Silva has played more than 150 games scoring 25 goals. He has also helped the club win the Premiership and the FA Cup.

In addition to his domestic success, David Silva is also a regular in the Spanish international side and is hoping to play a key role in this year’s World Cup in Brazil.