Thiago Silva will leave Chelsea when his contract expires at the end of the season but has said he is interested in returning in the future, potentially in a coaching capacity.
The 39-year-old Brazilian joined the club on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 and has remained a vital member of the squad throughout his four years, starting in their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday.
Silva picked up a groin problem in that comeback at Villa Park, raising the possibility that it was his last appearance in the blue shirt.
Silva has now revealed that he is set to depart in the summer, describing in a statement his 'indescribable love' for the club that he only originally planned on representing for a single year when he signed.
'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,' he said via Chelsea's website. 'Not just for me but for my family, too.
Thiago Silva has confirmed that he will be leaving Chelsea at the end of the current campaign
The Brazilian legend was part of the Chelsea team to win the Champions League and Club World Cup
Silva made the announcement in an emotional video that was released by the club's social media accounts on Monday
Four years, countless memories.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 29, 2024
A message from Thiago Silva… pic.twitter.com/f2YbB4GMXY
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'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.'
Silva's outspoken partner Belle (right) all but confirmed his impending departure after labelling the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Man City his 'last dance'
The centre back broke down in tears in the clip in which he insisted 'I intend to come back one day'
The veteran defender spoke of the influence of Frank Lampard in helping to integrate him into the squad on his arrival
Mauricio Pochettino as a result loses his only first-team regular above the ago of 30, with Marcus Bettinelli the only other player to reach that age in the squad, but is only a third-choice goalkeeper.
The next eldest player is Raheem Sterling at 29, followed by 27-year-old Ben Chilwell and 26-year-olds Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku and Robert Sanchez.
