Thiago Silva to leave Chelsea at end of season after 'dream' four years at club - 'I always gave my all'

Thiago Silva has announced he will be leaving Chelsea at the end of the season.

The 39-year-old defender has made 151 appearances since joining on a free transfer in 2020.

He has won the UEFA Champions League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.

“Chelsea means a lot to me,” he said in a message on social media.

“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.”

Former Brazil international Silva signed a one-year deal when he joined Chelsea after eight seasons with Paris Saint-Germain.

He went on to sign several contract extensions and has started 25 Premier League games this season under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

“It is already hard saying goodbye in the most normal of circumstances but when there is a mutual love, it’s even harder,” added Silva, who suffered a groin injury in Chelsea's last game against Aston Villa.

“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 [former manager 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.”

Chelsea next face Tottenham in the Premier League on Thursday evening.

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