Chelsea captain Reece James has sent an emotional message to Thiago Silva following the defender's departure from the club.

Sunday saw Silva make his final appearance for the Blues in the 2-1 win over Bournemouth. It was confirmed earlier this month that the 39-year-old would be leaving Chelsea this summer following the expiration of his contract.

Silva moved to Stamford Bridge in 2020 following his exit from Paris Saint-Germain and has gone on to make 155 appearances for the Blues.

Now the centre-back will return to his homeland after confirming that he will join Brazilian club Fluminense after signing a two-year deal.

During his time with Chelsea, Silva helped the club win three major trophies including the Champions League and Club World Cup.

The centre-back has made his final appearance for the Blues and bid farewell to the Stamford Bridge crowd following the win over Bournemouth.

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And James has sent a message to Silva following his now-former teammate's exit from Chelsea. James and Silva made 77 appearances together for the Blues, and now the right-back has written an emotional farewell message to Silva.

"My brother, I’m so sad to see you leave but I’m happy you are returning home to Brazil," James wrote on Instagram.

"From the moment you arrived at Chelsea, you looked after me and helped me more than any other player in my career so far. I learnt so much from you that I’ll forever be grateful for.

"In the years we spent together we have had some tough times but also some of the best times. I’m super happy we shared the pitch together for many years and made history together.

"Thank you for everything big bro, the memories we made will stay with me forever. I love you, brother."