OFFICIAL: Thiago Silva to leave Chelsea at end of campaign

Thiago Silva, who has been playing for Chelsea for four seasons, will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the 2023/24 season, meaning that the Brazilian is living his last moments as a Chelsea player.

The 39-year-old explained his decision to leave his current club in a video posted by the Blues on social media. "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," he began.

The centre-back started playing in the Premier League in the 2020/21 season when he decided to try his luck in London after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, where he played for eight seasons.  He joined Chelsea as a free agent and went on to win the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.

"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. But…it’s an indescribable love. I can only say thank you," he continued.

"[It’s been a] dream, definitely a dream. 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."

Silva has played 151 competitive games for the Blues and could yet play some more in the final games of the campaign. But the former AC Milan star suffered a groin problem in Chelsea's 2-2 draw at Aston Villa on Saturday, raising the possibility that he has made his last appearance in the blue shirt.

"It is already hard saying goodbye in the most normal of circumstances but when there is a mutual love, it’s even harder. But one a Blue, always a Blue.

The Brazilian does not want to say goodbye to Chelsea fans as he is keen to take part in the club again in the future. "Goodbyes are for those that leave and don’t come back. I intend on coming back one day," he concluded in tears. 

 

April 29, 2024