Thiago: So sad to leave club I love

THIAGO SILVA announced he will leave Chelsea at the end of the season – but left the door wide open on a return in a non-playing role.

The veteran defender, 39, has been a revelation at Stamford Bridge since joining the Blues in the summer of 2020, making more than 150 appearances and winning the Champions League, Super Cup and

Club World Cup.

The Brazil international’s contract expires in the summer and Silva (above) and Chelsea ended speculation over his future to confirm the centre-back will be moving on.

Silva said: “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.

“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.

“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.”

Silva is yet to confirm his next move, but suggested he would be keen to come back to Chelsea in a different capacity.

“That doesn’t mean that this is a definitive end,” he said. “I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here.

“It’s an indescribable love. I can only say thank you.

“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 added: “Goodbyes are for those that leave and don’t come back. I intend on coming back one day...”