Thiago Silva: My kids to blame for me staying at Chelsea

Suraj Radia

• 19 Jul 2023 18:15 BST
• 2 min read

Thiago Silva has admitted he may have left Chelsea this summer but his children have prevented him from making a much-desired return to Brazil.

Silva signed a one-year extension at Chelsea in February, keeping him at Stamford Bridge until next summer, but the 38-year-old has been vocal over his desire to eventually play for his boyhood club Fluminense again.

The defender came through the ranks at the Brazilian side and made more than 100 appearances for them before moving to Europe with Milan in 2009.

Chelsea have sold a number of players this summer as they look to shrink their squad size and Silva was rumoured to become a part of the exodus, however he admitted his children are not willing to live in Brazil.

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“Everyone knows how much I would like to return to Fluminense, but today it's hard to talk to my family [about it] because my children don't want to live in Brazil,” Silva told Ge Globo.

“It's a very complicated situation, but we still have a year to reflect and understand what we're going to do next year.”

Silva admits Brazilian dream

Silva and his family are believed to be settled in London and have a good connection with Chelsea and their supporters, however the veteran reiterated his desire to move back to Brazil earlier this year.

Speaking in May, Silva spoke about a return to Fluminense to TNT Sports, saying: 'If I told you that I don't think about it, I'd be lying to you.

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“It's something that I think about, I already talked a few times with my wife. When you have a long career in Europe, your children grow up in Europe, this decision is difficult.

“I do have this dream of returning to wear the shirt of Fluminense, everyone knows my desire. But it's something I prefer to leave in the future to see how things are going to happen.”