Revealed: Chelsea have Pep Guardiola to thank for Thiago Silva

James Shearman

• Updated: 4 Jan 2024 13:45 GMT
• 3 min read

Thiago Silva has revealed that Pep Guardiola played an important role in his move to Chelsea.

Silva joined the west London club from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in 2020.

Since then, he has made over 100 appearances for The Blues and is now a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.

However, had it not been for Guardiola taking charge of Manchester City eight years ago, the move may never have happened.

"I never imagined I would play in the Premier League one day," Silva told ESPN.

"It was football, with all due respect, that I didn't like, if I'm being honest. 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 was [Pep] Guardiola, right? He played more, the other [managers] didn't try to copy but they looked to play more, because this is beautiful football to watch.

"And from that moment on I became interested, I watched more at home. [When] Chelsea's proposal came, I didn't think twice, here we go."

Thiago Silva's future

Silva's contract at Chelsea expires at the end of the 2023-24 season and he is expected to leave.

Even though he is still performing at an elite level, the Brazilian is 39 years of age.

While retirement is an option, there are rumours that he would like to return to his homeland to play for Fluminense.