Thiago Silva has confirmed his impending departure from Chelsea at the end of the current season, bringing an illustrious four-year stint at Stamford Bridge to a close.
However, a club statement on Monday noted that the Brazilian legend left the door open for a potential return to the club in the future, stating, “Goodbyes are for those that leave and don’t come back. I intend on coming back one day.”
Silva joined the club on a free transfer in August 2020 on an initial one-year deal, but extended his stay and has remained a consistent starter under Mauricio Pochettino.
Thiago Silva has been a commanding presence for the Blues, making 151 appearances and winning a host of prestigious honours, including the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.
In his heartfelt statement, the 39-year-old reflected on his time at Chelsea, stating, “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.”
Silva’s connection to the club runs deeper than just his on-field exploits, with his sons currently playing for Chelsea’s youth teams.
“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,” he said.
The Brazilian defender expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent the West London club, stating, “I think in everything I did here over the four years, I always gave my all. But, unfortunately, everything has a start, a middle and an end. That doesn’t mean that this is a definitive end. I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here.”
Despite the bittersweet nature of his departure, Silva said his affection for Chelsea and its supporters is evident.
“It’s an indescribable love. I can only say thank you.
“Obviously, when I started here, it was during the pandemic so there weren’t any fans in the stadium. But through social media, it became something very special to me and then when the fans started coming back to the stadium and life was getting back to normal, I started to feel a lot of affection and respect for my story and for my start here,” ” he said.
Thiago Silva further reflected on the dream he realised by winning the Champions League with the club.
“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.”
The experienced centre half suffered a suspected groin injury against Aston Villa on Saturday, and could yet miss the final five Premier League games of the season.
Thiago Silva would appear to have no plans to retire, though, with reports linking him with a move back to Fluminense 15 years on from leaving the Brazilian club for AC Milan.
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