By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Brazil legend Thiago Silva has confirmed he will leave Chelsea at the end of the season.
Silva’s contract with the Blues will end at the end of the season.
The 39-year-old made the announcement in an emotional message to supporters posted via Chelsea’s official website and social media channels.
Silva said in a message to fans: “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.
“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. READ ALSO:
- Oliseh Lavishes Praise On ‘Great Player’ Lookman
- CAF Women’s Champions League: TP Mazembe Lift Trophy
- Oriental Derby: Uzodinma cheers Heartland, pledges unflinching support
- NSC Explores Sustainable Private Sector Driven Funding Models for Sports Development
- 9,000 Niger Delta youths train as entrepreneurs in Shell LiveWIRE programme
“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.”
Silva joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 and was part of the side that won the Champions League in 2021.
He has made 151 appearances in total for Chelsea.
