Thiago Silva will close the Chelsea chapter for the time being next summer. It will be a temporary departure – also because the Brazilian’s sons are likely to stay with the Blues
He joined Chelsea FC at the end of August 2020 as an addition to the defense, Thiago Silva was supposed to stay for one year. It turned into four – and a real love story. Thiago Silva made no secret of this in his farewell statement this Monday.
The Brazilian central defender has made 151 competitive appearances since his arrival, only PSG (315 from 2012 to 2020) have made more. Thiago Silva unexpectedly won the Champions League, the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup with the Blues.
“Chelsea means a lot to me,” Thiago Silva is quoted as saying in a club statement: “I came here with the intention of staying for just one year, but it turned out to be four years. Not just for me, but also for my family. My sons play for Chelsea, so I’m very proud to be part of the Chelsea family – literally, because my sons are here. I hope they can continue their careers at this successful club, which many players would love to be part of. “
Return to Fluminense?
Thiago Silva, however, has other plans for the time being, with various media outlets linking the 39-year-old with his youth club Fluminense. However, nothing has been confirmed yet. Where he is likely to go after his career, however, is clear. “I hope to leave the door open so that I can return in the near future, albeit in a different role,” says Thiago Silva about Chelsea: “It’s an indescribable love. It’s already hard to say goodbye under normal circumstances, but when the love is mutual, it’s even harder. All I can say is thank you.”
During his time on the island, Thiago Silva did not shy away from making clear statements, for example publicly criticizing the club’s transfer policy in April 2023. If anything, this increased his popularity with the fans
“The way I came to the club, with the support of the club, meant that I came in as a leader, even if I didn’t feel like one – I was new,” explains Thiago Silva: “It’s always difficult to integrate, but little by little I became part of the group. Frank Lampard played a big part in that, and I’m very grateful to him for that.”
He also feels the same for coach Thomas Tuchel, under whom he won the premier class for the first time in his career. Thiago Silva “could never have imagined this late satisfaction in my wildest dreams.”
