Thiago Silva will leave Chelsea at the end of this season.
Silva’s departure from Chelsea after four years had been expected but the 39-year-old has confirmed his decision in a video posted on the club’s official channels.
Silva joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain and has played 151 times for the Premier League side, helping them win the Champions League in 2021.
The Brazilian stated that he “intend(s) on coming back one day”. He did not, though, announce he was ending a playing career which began in 2002.
“I came here with the intention of only staying for a year and it ended up being four years,” Silva said. “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.”
Four years, countless memories.
A message from Thiago Silva… pic.twitter.com/f2YbB4GMXY
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 29, 2024
Silva faces a battle to play again for Chelsea after suffering a groin injury during their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday.
“We need to assess him after tomorrow,” Mauricio Pochettino said after the defender was withdrawn late on at Villa Park.
“It is a pain in his groin, which was similar to Palace.”
(Julian Finney/Getty Images)
