‘An indescribable love’: Thiago Silva announces departure from Chelsea
Thiago Silva, the experienced defender of Chelsea, has informed that he is bidding farewell to Stamford Bridge after this season.
On social media, the 39-year-old Brazilian, who played a crucial role in the Blues' winning of the Champions League in 2021, shared that Chelsea holds a significant place in his heart. Silva stated that he initially planned to stay for only a year but ended up being with the team for four years since his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020.
It's not only a matter of personal satisfaction for me, but also for my family. My offspring are soccer players for Chelsea, so it fills us with overwhelming pride to be able to belong to the Chelsea family. I have a fervent desire that they can carry on playing for this team, which has achieved great victories and is an object of aspiration for many athletes worldwide.
Silva decided to renew his contract until the year 2023 and his reason for doing so was the advancement of his offspring, Isago and Iago, in the club's junior divisions.
"I believe that throughout my four-year tenure here, I always put in my best effort," he expressed. "However, every journey has a commencement, a middle and an ending. Nonetheless, this does not signify a permanent termination. I aspire to keep the door unlocked, enabling me to comeback in the future, albeit in a different capacity."
During his time at Chelsea, Silva experienced a lot of changes, including the Covid pandemic. He has now left the club, making him one of the last remaining players from the Roman Abramovich era, along with Ben Chilwell and Reece James. Although Kepa Arrizabalaga and Hakim Ziyech are still technically on the team, they have both been loaned out this season. While Silva had to leave the field early during the final in Porto, his impressive performances in previous rounds were a major motivator for Thomas Tuchel's team.
The Brazilian player who has played 113 games became an exception in the new ownership led by Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, who are much more experienced than the many young players who have joined on long term contracts. Despite Chelsea's last two disappointing seasons under Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and Mauricio Pochettino's management, this player remained a popular fan favourite.
He expressed his gratitude, saying that the love he has received is beyond words. He began his journey amidst the pandemic, resulting in an empty stadium without any cheering fans. However, he found solace through social media and gradually formed a special bond with people. As life began to return to normalcy, with the fans slowly trickling into the stadium, he received immense affection and respect. This only added to his attachment towards his beginnings and his story.
Silva hurt his groin during the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday, which could lead to him sitting out for the rest of the Chelsea season. He's participated in 151 games and achieved victories in both the Fifa Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup.
