Tearful Thiago Silva to leave Chelsea at end of season football news

Brazilian defender Thiago Silva will leave Chelsea at the end of the season after a “dream” four years at Stamford Bridge. Silva announced his departure in an emotional video message on Chelsea’s website on Monday. The 39-year-old centre-back arrived at the Premier League club on a free transfer in August 2020 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. He has made 151 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, winning the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

“Chelsea means a lot to me. I came here with the intention of only staying one year and it turned out to be four years. Not only for me but also for my family,” Silva said during a tearful farewell speech.

“My sons play for Chelsea so it’s a great honor to be part of the Chelsea family. I hope they can continue their careers at this winning club that many players want to be a part of.

“I feel like I’ve always given it my all in everything I’ve done in the four years I’ve been here. But unfortunately, everything has a beginning, a middle and an end.”

Silva was a popular figure among Chelsea fans after making an immediate impact in the 2020-21 Champions League-winning campaign, which peaked with the win over Manchester City in the final in Porto.

The affectionate feelings are clearly mutual as Silva saluted the fans and revealed his intention to return to Chelsea in a different capacity in the future.

He said, “It’s an indescribable love. I can only say thank you.”

“Definitely a dream. I never dreamed I could achieve such great things and win the best professional title, the Champions League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

“Goodbye is for those who leave and don’t come back. I intend to come back one day. I hope to keep the door open so that I can return in the near future, even if here in another role.”

Silva, who has been capped 113 times by the Brazilian, has made 34 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea this season.

But the former AC Milan star suffered a groin problem during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw at Aston Villa on Saturday, raising the possibility that this has been his last appearance in a blue shirt.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have five games left this season and are looking to avoid a disappointing season by securing European qualification.

Chelsea, who are ninth in the Premier League, recently lost to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals and lost to Liverpool in the League Cup final in February.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)