Brazilian defender Thiago Silva announced today, Monday, his departure from Chelsea at the end of the season after spending four years with the Premier League club. He said he hopes to return in a different capacity. Silva (39 years old) joined Chelsea in August 2020 on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain and has made 151 appearances for the English team, winning the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.
In an emotional video message posted on the club's website, Silva said, "Chelsea means a lot to me. I came here with the intention of staying for just a year, but the duration extended to four years." He added, "I believe that in everything I have done here over the past four years, I have always given my all. Unfortunately, everything has a beginning, middle, and end. This does not mean that it is over forever. I hope to leave the door open so that I can return in the near future, but in another role here."
Silva continued, "Goodbyes are for those who leave and do not return. But I intend to come back one day."
