Fluminense Announces Thiago Silva’s Return After More Than 15 Years

Thiago Silva has returned to Fluminense, as the club officially confirmed the signing of the defender on Tuesday for a two-year deal.

“The player will disembark to Rio de Janeiro to join the squad led by coach Fernando Diniz in about a month, after the end of his contract with Chelsea in England, and complete the procedures for his move. The defender won’t be able to play for the club until July 10th, when the international transfer window opens,” Fluminense said in an official statement.

Known as the ‘Monster’ and a beloved figure at Fluminense, Thiago Silva previously played for the club from 2006 to 2008. During his first spell, the defender achieved success by winning the Copa do Brasil in 2007 and reaching the finals of the Libertadores in 2008, before making the move to Europe. With a total of 147 appearances and 14 goals for the Tricolour, he left a lasting impact during his time with the team.

“I can’t wait to land in Rio so that we can start work and help out on the pitch in the best possible way. It was a difficult decision on my family’s side. I’m leaving them here (in London) for a moment,” said Thiago Silva in a live stream on Fluminense’s Instagram, already wearing the tricolor shirt.

Although receiving offers from clubs in England and Saudi Arabia, Thiago Silva has chosen to make a comeback at Fluminense. The center-back will wear the number three shirt, the same one he wore more than 15 years ago during his previous spell with the club.

At 39 years old, Thiago Silva joins Fluminense to bolster a position that has needed stability. The defense has been unsettled since the departure of Nino, who left Fluminense for Zenit at the end of the previous season.