Tearful Silva to leave Chelsea at end of season

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has confirmed that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

On Monday, Silva sent a heartfelt video statement on Chelsea’s website announcing his departure.

The 39-year-old centre back left Paris Saint-Germain in August 2020 and joined the Premier League team on a free transfer.

With the Blues, he has made 151 appearances in all competitions and has won the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and Champions League.

“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,” Silva said during a tearful goodbye speech.

“My sons play for Chelsea so it’s a source of great pride to be a part of the Chelsea family. 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.”

After having an instant influence on Chelsea’s 2020–21 Champions League winning campaign, which culminated in a triumph over Manchester City in the Porto final, Silva became well-liked among Chelsea supporters.

Silva expressed his gratitude to the Chelsea supporters and stated that he plans to return to the club in the future in a new role, demonstrating the mutual fondness.

“It’s an indescribable love. I can only say thank you,” he said.

“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. I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here.”

Silva, a 113-time Brazil international, has made 34 appearances for Chelsea this season across all competitions.

However, the former AC Milan player may have played his final game in the blue shirt after experiencing a groyne injury during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday.

With five games remaining in the season, Mauricio Pochettino’s team hopes to salvage a dismal year by earning a trip to Europe.

Chelsea, who now occupy ninth place in the Premier League, was defeated by Liverpool in the League Cup final in February and recently lost to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.

WATCH: Thiago Silva’s farewell message