Thiago Silva CONFIRMS Chelsea departure with emotional farewell message

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 29 Apr 2024 20:36 BST
• 4 min read

Thiago Silva has confirmed he will leave Chelsea when his contract expires this summer.

The Brazil legend joined the Blues on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 and he helped the club win the Champions League for the second time in their history during his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.

The 39-year-old signed a one-year extension last year and he has opted against renewing his current deal at Chelsea in favour of a summer exit.

READ MORE: Three possible Thiago Silva replacements after Chelsea exit confirmation

Silva has been heavily linked with a return to Fluminense over the past few months, with the Brazilian club recently admitting it would be a “dream” for the veteran to rejoin the club.

The ex-Milan defender has made over 150 appearances for Chelsea and he will leave the Blues as a club legend.

READ MORE: Chelsea must AVOID making foolish Thiago Silva replacement decision

What has Thiago Silva said?

An official announcement regarding Silva’s imminent exit has been expected for several weeks and he confirmed his decision to leave Chelsea via an emotional message to the club’s supporters.

“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,” he told the Chelsea website.

“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.

“Obviously, when I started here, it was during the pandemic so there wasn’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.

“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,” he said.

“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…"