Thiago Silva will leave Chelsea at the end of the season.
Silva, 39, joined the Premier League side on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2020 and has made 151 appearances, winning the Champions League, Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
The Brazil defender was substituted in the 90th minute during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw at Aston Villa last Saturday with a groin injury, raising the possibility that it was his last appearance for the club.
In an emotional message to supporters, 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.”
Silva added: “Obviously, when I started here, it was during the pandemic so there weren’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.
Chelsea defender Thiago Silva celebrates his opener at Sheffield United
“It is already hard saying goodbye in the most normal of circumstances but when there is a mutual love, it’s even harder. But once 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…”
Chelsea’s remaining fixtures
May 2: Tottenham (H) – Premier League, kick-off 7.30pm, live on Sky Sports
May 5: West Ham (A) – Premier League, kick-off 2pm
May 11: Nottingham Forest (A) – Premier League, kick-off 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports
May 15: Brighton (A) – Premier League, kick-off 7.45pm
May 19: Bournemouth (H) – Premier League, kick-off 4pm
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