Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has confirmed his departure from the club as the current season draws to a close.
The Brazilian, who arrived at Stamford Bridge on a free transfer from Paris St-Germain in 2020, leaves behind a legacy marked by 151 appearances and a trio of trophies, notably the illustrious 2020-21 Champions League triumph.
The defender helped the Blues win their second Champions League trophy and has earned a huge reputation from the fans.
17:21 - 21.04.2024
'I already made up my mind' - Thiago Silva seals fate about Chelsea future in 'coming days'
Silva joined Chelsea in 2020 from Paris Saint-Germain and admitted that it felt like 'love at first sight' when he arrived at Stamford Bridge.
13:08 - 21.04.2024
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Fond Farewell from Silva
According to reports from BBC, Thiago Silva expressed his deep emotional connection to the club, saying, "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."
The 39-year-old defender's sentiment reflects the profound impact his tenure has had on both him and the club.
"It is already hard saying goodbye in the most normal of circumstances but when there is a mutual love, it’s even harder. But once a Blue, always a Blue," Silva added, encapsulating the enduring bond between player and club.
Silva's journey at Chelsea saw him navigate managerial transitions, playing under the likes of Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino.
Despite the change of manager and club ownership, Silva remained a steadfast presence in the Blues' defense, contributing 34 appearances across all competitions this season, with 25 starts in the Premier League alone.
As he bids farewell to his playing days at Chelsea, Silva harbours hopes of a future return in a different capacity.
"I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here," he expressed, underscoring his desire to maintain ties with the club beyond his playing career.