Thiago Silva Announces Exit From Chelsea After Four Years

Thiago Silva has revealed he is leaving Chelsea with the season coming to a conclusion.

After joining the Premier League team on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2020, the 39-year-old Brazilian football player made 151 appearances and won the UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, and Champions League.

He may have made his final appearance for the team when he was replaced in the 90th minute of Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday due to a groyne injury.

In an emotional message to supporters on Monday, April 29, Silva said he hoped to return to the club “in another role” soon: “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.

“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.

“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. But…it’s an indescribable love. I can only say thank you.”

Thiago Silva added: “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.

“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.

“The way in which I came to the club, with the support of the club, I got to the club as a leader even though I didn’t feel like it having arrived as the new guy. It’s always difficult to integrate but bit by bit I became part of the group and (Frank) Lampard played a big part in that. I am grateful to him for that.

“[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.

“Goodbyes are for those that leave and don’t come back. I intend on coming back one day…”

Thiago Silva’s debut season culminated with a Champions League victory over Manchester City in Porto as Chelsea won their second title, and the 113-cap Brazil international has since won over Chelsea fans.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli