Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has confirmed that he will be leaving Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
Prior to the 2020-21 campaign, impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, Chelsea pulled off one of the coups of that transfer window by signing the long-serving Paris Saint-Germain man on a free transfer.
Silva, then 36 years of age, would initially struggle to adapt to life in the Premier League, with Chelsea infamously trailing West Bromwich Albion 3-0 at half time on his debut.
Chelsea would recover to draw 3-3 at The Hawthorns and subsequently concede just twice in the next six games that Silva started in a season which ended by lifting their second Champions League crown with victory over Manchester City.
Thank you will never be enough. 💙 pic.twitter.com/X2VTx5V5bS
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 29, 2024
Although the Brazil international has since gone on to make 151 appearances in all competitions, also winning a UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup, Chelsea's stature has dropped in recent seasons.
Furthermore, owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have targeted young players with potential in the transfer market, with Silva the elder statesman in the dressing room by eight years.
How have Silva, Chelsea marked the defender's exit?
However, that will no longer be the case next season with Silva confirming reports he will not be renewing his contract with the West Londoners.
In an emotional video posted through the club's official accounts, Silva revealed he only intended on staying at Chelsea for one year before developing what he says was an "indescribable love" for the West Londoners.
Four years, countless memories.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 29, 2024
A message from Thiago Silva... pic.twitter.com/f2YbB4GMXY
What now for Silva?
At the weekend, Silva suffered an injury during the closing stages of the 2-2 draw at Aston Villa, head coach Mauricio Pochettino suggesting that it was a recurrence of a groin issue.
As a result, it remains to be seen whether Silva has played his final game for the club with less than three weeks of the season remaining.
Chelsea play Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth in their closing five fixtures, with the final encounter taking place on May 19.
Reports have suggested that Silva could now return to former club Fluminense, having started his career at the Maracana.
Darren Plant
