Thiago Silva Confirms Decision To Leave Chelsea At End Of Season

Chelsea’s long-serving defender, Thiago Silva, has declared that the current season will mark his final time at Stamford Bridge.

The 39-year-old Brazilian, who played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s triumphant Champions League campaign in 2021, shared this announcement on social media. “Chelsea means a lot to me, I came here to only stay for a year and it ended up being four years,” wrote Silva, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020.

“Not just for me but for my family, too. 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.”

In 2023, Silva renewed his contract, pointing to the advancement of his sons Isago and Iago within the club’s youth system as a key factor.

“I think in everything I did here over the four years, I always gave my all,” he said. “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 shortly I can return, albeit in another role.”

Silva has witnessed a significant period of transformation at Chelsea, joining the club amidst the Covid pandemic. As he bids farewell, he stands as one of the few remaining players from the Roman Abramovich era, alongside Ben Chilwell and Reece James, who were part of the XI in the 2021 final against Manchester City in Porto. While Kepa Arrizabalaga and Hakim Ziyech, the two substitutes, are still associated with the club, they have been on loan this season. Despite being substituted early in Porto, Silva’s influential displays in earlier matches played a crucial role in motivating Thomas Tuchel’s side on their journey to the final.

With 113 international caps to his name, the Brazilian standout became a unique figure within the new ownership led by Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, standing out as a seasoned player among a sea of young talents secured on extended deals. Despite Chelsea’s recent underwhelming performances under the guidance of Graham Potter, Frank Lampard, and more recently, Mauricio Pochettino, Silva continued to hold a special place in the hearts of the fans as a club hero.

“It’s an indescribable love; I can only say thank you,” he said. “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 my start here.”

Following a groin injury sustained during Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, Silva’s participation in the remainder of Chelsea’s season remains uncertain. With 151 appearances to his name, he has also clinched the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup during his tenure at the club.