Chelsea defender Thiago Silva will bid farewell to the club at the conclusion of the season, bringing an end to a successful four-year spell in West London.
The 39-year-old Brazilian, who arrived on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020, departs having amassed 151 appearances for the Blues. During his tenure, Silva solidified himself as a defensive cornerstone, contributing significantly to Chelsea’s triumphs. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the club’s 2020-21 Champions League victory.
“Chelsea means a lot to me,” said Silva in a heartfelt message. “I came here with the intention of only staying for a year, and it ended up being four years. Saying goodbye is already difficult, but when there’s such mutual love, it’s even harder.”
Silva, a veteran of spells with AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, adapted seamlessly to the Premier League under various managers like Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino. This season alone, he boasts 34 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his enduring quality.
Despite his departure, Silva leaves the door open for a potential future return in a non-playing capacity. “I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here,” he hinted.
