Fluminense keen on Thiago Silva return ahead of imminent Chelsea exit

Veteran hinted at departure after FA Cup semi-final loss to Man City
Nizaar Kinsella22 April 2024

Thiago Silva’s boyhood club Fluminense want to take him back to Brazil as he prepares to announce his Chelsea exit.

Silva is expected to leave Stamford Bridge when his contract expires at the end of the season. The 39-year-old is attracting interest from Fluminense but is open to staying in the Premier League or moving to another European club.

His sons, Iago and Isago, are enjoying life in the Chelsea academy and his family are likely to make London or Paris their permanent home when he eventually retires.

Despite turning 40 in September, Silva, who joined Chelsea on a free transfer in 2020, believes he can play at the highest level for one more season.

He was in tears after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday.

“You are going to know in the coming days,” Silva said when asked about his future after the semi-final defeat. “I don’t want to say anything now. I’m sad about the result.

“I do have a decision made in my mind, but it's not the moment to share it.”

He added: “My four years here were very good. Not that I didn't believe in myself, but with my age and the intensity of this league...it's rare to see players in a high level at 39.

“I don't like to talk about myself, but you can see this. Today, I was ready to play the extra time! I can see I have some years in me to keep enjoying football.”

Silva is hugely popular with the supporters who are preparing a large crowd-surfing banner to celebrate his time at Chelsea in one of the final home games of the season.

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