Thiago Silva has revealed that he 'never imagined' playing in the Premier League, after the Chelsea defender recently made his 100th in the top-flight.
After featuring in the Blues' 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in December, Silva reached the century mark for appearances in the Premier League - despite making his league debut at 36-years-old.
Now, Silva - who previously played for PSG, AC Milan and Fluminense - has revealed that he never envisioned playing in England but was eventually swayed after the arrival of one manager.
Speaking to ESPN, he said: 'No man, no. I never imagined I would play in the Premier League one day.
'It was one, with all due respect, football that I didn't like. Because I thought it was a lot of aerial balls, get up here, fight there.
'I never really liked it even though I'm good in the air and adapt well. I thought I wouldn't play here.
'I think one of those responsible for this change, I think, is Pep Guardiola, right? He plays more. The others don't try to copy but they look to play more.
'Because this is beautiful football to watch. And from that moment on I became interested. I watched more at home. Chelsea's proposal came and I didn't think twice'.
Silva joined Chelsea back in August 2020 but only put pen to paper on a one-year-deal in west London.
However, after impressing for the Blues under several different managers, Silva became a crucial part of Chelsea's team and earned multiple contract renewals.
While he may have enjoyed his 100th game in the league, his 101st left a different impression on the Brazilian.
Silva was visibly unhappy at the close of the Blues' 3-2 victory over Luton at Kenilworth Road on December 30th.
Mauricio Pochettino's side looked to be on their way to a comfortable Premier League win after Cole Palmer scored the second of his brace to put the visitors 3-0 up after 70 minutes.
But late strikes from old boy Ross Barkley and Elijah Adebayo put the result in some doubt in the final minutes.
Silva as a result was less than pleased with the scare and ushered away a cameraman who had come onto the pitch after the final whistle.
Pochettino shed some light on the veteran defender's frustrations after the game, saying that Silva's constant moaning is beneficial to the team.
‘Thiago is like this.' He told TNT Sports. 'He is always moaning and never happy – but that is good.
‘He is 39 years old and still playing. I think sometimes we are there on the pitch but sometimes it was the small details.
‘You want to show that you want to help the team and your emotion is there.’