Thiago Silva shows true Chelsea colours in heartfelt speech after transfer exit confirmed

Thiago Silva made his Chelsea feelings very clear in his speech during the club's end-of-season awards at Stamford Bridge. The veteran defender joined Chelsea back in 2020 and after nearly four years, it was confirmed in April he would be departing when his current contract expires this summer.

Breaking the news, 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."

A return to his home country always seemed to be the desired goal for Silva, however no one expected it to arrive so late in his career. "Chelsea means a lot to me," he admitted in a heartfelt message to the fans. "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 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.

"[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..."

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Silva returning in a coaching capacity or within the academy is certainly feasible given his love for Chelsea and just in case some were unsure where his loyalties lie, the man himself made it very clear. During the club's end-of-season awards, Silva was given the chance to say a few words in front of his peers and overcome with emotion, he began to cry on stage when talking about his time in west London.

Under Mauricio Pochettino, Silva played far less frequently but that was mostly down to his age with the Chelsea boss full of admiration for the former Paris Saint-Germain star. "He is an amazing guy, an amazing professional," he admitted.

"I am not going to discover this type of player [again], playing until almost 40-years-old, an amazing career. The player, the fans, the club is going to miss him but he is happy, he is so proud for his career here at Chelsea and different clubs. I wish him the best because he deserves this."