Thiago Silva has announced he will leave Chelsea at the end of the season as a free agent.
The veteran defender, 39, has been a revelation at Stamford Bridge since joining the Blues back in the summer of 2020, clocking up over 150 appearances and winning the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
There has been speculation over the Brazil international's future in recent weeks with his contract due to expire in the summer. And Silva and Chelsea have now confirmed that he will be moving on at the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign.
In a statement shared on the club's official 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.
“But…it’s an indescribable love. I can only say thank you. Obviously, when I started here, it was during the pandemic so there wasn’t any fans in the stadium. But through social media, it became something very special to me and then when the fans started coming back to the stadium and life was getting back to normal, I started to feel a lot of affection and respect for my story and for my start here.
“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...”
zabbdeilru
0
I love you so much our defender
Yubaeklnst
1
average player, may you rest in peace
stupid fool
jopeklrsty
1
Good luck Mr
Kaoeklnst
2
Thiago Silva the legend you are the best sir I wish you all the best legend am in Zambia 🇿🇲
VIKINGSB
0
now that is what you call a goodbye for the club that you love the fans that you appreciate and love that is a goodbye from my legend Thiago Silva always have always will be we love it too bro all the best whatever the future takes you all the best to you your beloved wife your kids your entire family may Allah protect you and guide you and your always welcome anytime at Chelsea obrigado
[image]
He says...goodbyes are for those that leave and don't come back. I intend on coming back one day. So he's talking a walk just to return one day.
Fowbcloruy
1
Wonderful and ♥ heart touching.. My we Chelsea fans love you 🌹 and would always love to see you back again and again... Thiago will always be part of the blues and their history....
Moaabkmrs
4
thank you legend wish you all the best
yakaceityz
1
Our own Hero Diago Silva we will always remember you. a Great man
yakaceityz
2
Thiago Silva our lovely legend we will miss you dearly, we the fans of Chelsea will always remember you. From Namibia 🇳🇦
Hihemnptz
1
You will always be loved TS
Hikdknostu
0
Respect to the legend
Harrisonmajoni
1
if you were me you could have start your coaching badges now at this great club so one day you will in the dugout wish you the best bro
Jumachelsea
2
now that is what you call a goodbye for the club that you love the fans that you appreciate and love that is a goodbye from my legend Thiago Silva always have always will be we love it too bro all the best whatever the future takes you all the best to you your beloved wife your kids your entire family may Allah protect you and guide you and your always welcome anytime at Chelsea obrigado
Fazdeiknp
1
Please give us 1 more year....
Gbengababs
2
Thiago, you will always be in our hearts ♥️♥️♥️, and we love you truly
tanabcdl
2
character and career blend together and produce the best legend in THIAGO. Respect for you.
lanabcirsy
1
indeed come back one time
siebiklr
2
Legend!! Massive respect to you and your family. We surely expect back and Chelsea’s door is your to come through any time you deem fit. On behalf of all Chelsea fans all over the globe; we love you Oh Thiago💙💙💙
vaybioz
2
love you my great legend am so happy that u play for Chelsea
vaybioz
0
love my legend
vaybioz
1
average player, may you rest in peace
continue Animal
yapaemnst
1
our living legend
Bitcemopz
1
average player, may you rest in peace
u lack home training useless 🪴 somebody
Hikcdeiot
2
one more year plz senior
Hikcdeiot
1
Let me tell you the truth Chelsea they don't have good defender like Thiago Silva for now 😭😭😭😭
lozlopyz
1
a great footballer,and even a better person this one!
2muchmoney
0
Legend
Zuodmouz
2
thank you t s you will always be remember you are truly a blessing for once again thank you thiago Silva
cabaipsuy
1
Thiago Silva, we appreciate you & your family, you will forever be in our hearts, thanks for been a role model to the entire team, we love you. Todd Boely suppose to find you post you fit in, you are a living legend.
neoabimny
1
You werwelcom
kohelopruz
0
Sending it from Ghana
kohelopruz
1
You are indeed a blessing in disguise to Chelsea. You have written your name in anals of Chelsea history. You are more than a legend. You took four years to build your legendary marks in the hearts of Chelsea fanatics and supporters. I can only wish you well and hope you come back in good capacity to help Chelsea in the future
nezcdmnsty
1
we will miss you t silver and your family
Yuuelmry
0
Legend of the game. Leader Thiago Silva.
Yaucipruz
0
A player with 0 hater.
maoabimnu
0
respect
maoabimnu
2
you are truly a legend nuff love and respect
cubackloty
1
average player, may you rest in peace
Manchester fans are always jealous of other team. he won something for Chelsea what have Varene win for you
Zetabcklpr
5
Tiago silver you make a coach quality than pochentino
Nahacenprs
2
ooh nooo! silver I will personally miss your presence at the bridge
kiybdklty
2
We love you T.S and your family...the bridge is your home and you are welcome back anytime in different role legend and we can't wait to see you back soon 💙 lengend!!
Yiweklmo
3
will miss you so much legend,one of the best defenders in the world
Android 17
1
average player, may you rest in peace
The best defender of the ronaldo and messi era after ramos.
Tinbiostz
1
Respect
Vanclmrty
1
A living legend. 🙏🙏🙏
Bitampru
3
great job done legend
Busabnoty
2
thanks very much for the past four years you been at Chelsea, you give all out when ever you are playing a Game with the jersey of Chelsea, you did what a player should have done for a club on and off the field, thanks for your service
Dopadiklsy
1
average player, may you rest in peace
you sound like a fool
sotnrsuy
1
average player, may you rest in peace
tutekntuz
0
Gr8 warrior