Chelsea hail capture of Thiago Silva

Chelsea have hailed Thiago Silva’s “proven world- class credentials” after finalising the Brazil centre- back’s free transfer from Paris St Germain.

T h e 3 5 - y e a r - o l d h a s signed a one- year Stamford Bridge contract, with the club holding the option of adding another 12 months.

Silva’s addition will help manager Frank Lampard restructure his defence, and follows Wednesday’s £ 45 million capture of England left- back Ben Chilwell from Leicester.

S i l v a’s e i g h t y e a r s i n France ended with PSG’S 1- 0 Champions League final defeat by Bayern Munich, and the Blues have moved quickly to tie up a deal for the 89- cap Brazil star.

S i l v a o u g h t t o b e approaching the twilight of a glittering career but Chelsea insist he has the evergreen and elite qualities to provide a significant boost to Lampard’s reshaped Blues.

“We are delighted to be able to add a player of Thiago Silva’s proven worldclass credentials t o our squad,” said Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia.

“Having performed at the highest level for many years, we have no doubt his experience and quality will complement the many exciting talents we already have here.

“Thiago will be an excellent fit and we hope he can add some new t rophies t o his i mpressive l i st of honours.”

Silva’s age profile rep - resents a clear departure from Chelsea’s usual prot ocol of f ocusing major signings on players edging towards or already in the prime of their careers. But Lampard’s desire for a leader at the heart of his defensive reshuffle has proved critical in the cool- headed Brazil stopper’s arrival.