Thiago Silva confirms Chelsea exit
Thiago Silva has announced today that he will be leaving Chelsea once the season concludes, the club announced via a video message from the defender.
Labeling it as ‘indescribable love’ for the Blues, a tearful, thankful Silva confirmed his decision on Monday afternoon.
“Chelsea means a lot to me. I came here with the intention of only staying for a year and it ended up being four years. Not just for me but for my family, too,” said the 39-year-old, who continues to look seamless on defence this season..
“My sons play for Chelsea so it’s a source of great pride to be a part of the Chelsea family – literally because my sons are here. I hope they can continue their careers here at this victorious club that many players wish to be part of.”
Silva joined Chelsea in 2020 as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain and went on to win the coveted UEFA Champions League, a trophy he had longed for since the late 2000s. Finishing runners-up with Thomas Tuchel at PSG and then lifting the trophy together a year later was arguably the highlight of his career at Chelsea.
There was more to follow, as Chelsea also lifted the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup with Silva at the heart of its defence.
The 113-time capped Brazilian legend has donned the Chelsea shirt 151 times in just four seasons having joined at the age of 36. For context, that’s 32 appearances more than he amassed for AC Milan.
Thiago Silva has scored nine goals for Chelsea, including four this season in a topsy-turvy campaign for the Blues under Mauricio Pochettino. He hinted at a possible return to Stamford Bridge in another capacity, stating that this is far from a goodbye.
“The way in which I came to the club, with the support of the club, I got to the club as a leader even though I didn’t feel like it having arrived as the new guy. It’s always difficult to integrate but bit by bit I became part of the group and (Frank) Lampard played a big part in that. I am grateful to him for that.”
“Been a dream, definitely a dream. Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I could achieve such great things and win one of the best professional titles, the Champions League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world. Goodbyes are for those that leave and don’t come back. I intend on coming back one day,” he added.
His presence in the dressing room has been significant throughout his tenure, such is the leadership qualities he has always brought to the pitch. Although well and truly in the twilight years of his playing career, Thiago Silva will be missed on and off the field by the Chelsea players more than can be put into words.
A young, inexperienced squad will have to do without their veteran defender moving forward. Silva picked up a groin injury last week, and scans could reveal that he may have already made his final Chelsea appearance.
A move to Fluminense FC could be in the cards, but Thiago Silva is likely to listen to offers as he believes he has a fair few years left in him still.
Chelsea host Tottenham Hotspur next, and you’d expect his name to be chanted all across Stamford Bridge.
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: محمد امین انصاری. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.