We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

English Woman's Journal - Tearful Thiago Silva to leave Chelsea at end of season

Tearful Thiago Silva to leave Chelsea at end of season

SPORTS 29.04.2024
Tearful Thiago Silva to leave Chelsea at end of season
Tearful Thiago Silva to leave Chelsea at end of season / Photo: Ben Stansall - AFP

Brazilian defender Thiago Silva will leave Chelsea at the end of the season after a "dream" four-year spell at Stamford Bridge.

Change text size:

Silva announced his farewell on Monday in an emotional video message on Chelsea's website.

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 the UEFA Super Cup.

"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," Silva said during a tearful goodbye speech.

"My sons play for Chelsea so it's a source of great pride to be a part of the Chelsea family. 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."

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

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

"It's an indescribable love. I can only say thank you," he said.

"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. I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here."

Capped 113 times by Brazil, Silva has made 34 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea this season.

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.

Mauricio Pochettino's side have five games left this season as they look to salvage a disappointing season by securing European qualification.

Chelsea, languishing in ninth place in the Premier League, lost in the FA Cup semi-finals to Manchester City recently and were beaten by Liverpool in the League Cup final in February.

S.Smith--EWJ

Featured

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Change text size: