Chelsea fans laud 'irreplaceable' Thiago Silva as he announces his leaving

Chelsea fans have hailed Thiago Silva as 'irreplaceable' and have lauded his heartfelt farewell after the Brazilian announced he will leave the club at the end of the season.

The 39-year-old is in the final few months of his deal at Stamford Bridge and was expected to call time on his four-year Blues career following the completion of the campaign.

Silva confirmed this decision in a touching goodbye message to supporters on Monday morning, in which he described his 'indescribable love' for the club.

Fans of the west London club have been quick to thank the defender for his contribution and achievements which include winning the 2021 Champions League and Club World Cup.

'Irreplaceable,' wrote one supporter on X, formerly Twitter. Another said: 'A thank you won’t ever be enough.'

'He came from PSG, to win the Champions League. Thiagoo ohhh,' wrote a third, quoting the Brazilian's song which can often be heard ringing around Stamford Bridge.

Another commented: 'This is how you do a farewell. Thank you for everything, [Thiago Silva]. Before adding: 'LEGEND.'

In his message to supporters via Chelsea's website, Silva said: '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.

'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.'

Chelsea fan group We Are The Shed are preparing a special display for the last home game of the season – against Bournemouth on May 19 – and Silva continued: 'It is already hard saying goodbye in the most normal of circumstances but when there is a mutual love, it’s even harder. But one a blue, always a blue.

'The way in which I came to the club, with the support of the club, I got to the club as a leader even though I didn’t feel like it having arrived as the new guy. It’s always difficult to integrate but bit by bit I became part of the group and (Frank) Lampard played a big part in that. I am grateful to him for that.

'[It’s been a] dream, 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.'

It remains to be seen whether Silva has played his last game for the Blues, having gone down with a groin injury towards the end of last weekend's draw against Aston Villa.

'Thank you for gracing us with your presence. You came, you saw, you conquered. O monstro,' wrote one Blues supporter, while another added: 'Morning ruined.'