Thiago Silva will re-join Fluminense in the summer after it was announced last week of his decision to leave Chelsea.

The 39-year-old will return to Brazil a bit earlier than anticipated with the two clubs agreeing that he can join up with his new teammates after the final game of the season at home to Bournemouth. A statement from Chelsea read: "Following four seasons with Chelsea, Thiago Silva will depart after our final game of the Premier League season against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge and re-join Brazilian club Fluminense.

"Chelsea have agreed with Thiago that he can join up early with his new teammates after signing a two-year contract with the Brazilian club. Thiago will be allowed to train with Fluminense prior to his registration transferring on July 1."

Silva spent two years in Fluminense's academy between 1998 and 2000 before moving elsewhere in Brazil. He then joined the club on loan from Dynamo Moscow before moving there permanently and spending two years there between 2007 and 2009. After that, he moved to AC Milan and has spent his time since in European football.

Now, though, Silva is set to end his illustrious playing career in his home country. Last week, the Brazilian confirmed his decision to leave Chelsea after four years at Stamford Bridge, in what was an emotional message to the supporters.

"Chelsea means a lot to me," he said. "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.

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"My sons play for Chelsea so it is a source of great pride to be a part of the Chelsea family – literally because my sons are here. I hope they 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 last 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. But... it's an indescribable love. I can only say thank you.

"Obviously, when I started here, it was during the pandemic so there was not any fans in the stadium. But through social media, it became something very special to me and then when the fans started coming back to the stadium and life was getting back to normal, I started to feel a lot of affection and respect for my story and for my start here.

"It is already hard saying goodbye in the most normal of circumstances but when there is a mutual love, it’s even harder. But one a Blue, always a Blue.

"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 (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.

"Goodbyes are for those that leave and don’t come back. I intend on coming back one day..."