Thiago Silva has shown his true colours, penning a brilliant message to John Terry. The 40-year-old defender left Chelsea to join Fluminense following the expiration of his contract at Stamford Bridge in the summer.

He returned to his boyhood club on a free transfer, tasked with rescuing the Brazilian outfit from relegation. With Silva donning the captain's armband, the centre-back helped Fluminense go seven games unbeaten in the Brasileirão, winning six and drawing one.

Then, after suffering a foot injury which sidelined him for a month or so, Silva was thrown back into the starting lineup and dragged Mano Menezes' side four points clear of the drop zone. At the end of the season, the former Blues defender returned to west London to reunite with some familiar faces.

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During the festive period, Silva was spotted at Cobham training ground to watch Enzo Maresca put the players through their paces – and he was given a hero's welcome upon arrival. The veteran centre-half also used his time off to watch Chelsea defeat Brentford 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Silva has since returned to his homeland ahead of this year's Campeonato Carioca. While Fluminense have been busy gearing for a clash against Sampaio Corrêa on Sunday, the Brazilian still found time to reach out to Terry.

Showing his true colours, Silva sent a signed Chelsea shirt to the Blues legend, writing on the number six: "For John. Thank you for helping me during my time with this amazing club. Thank you legend!!!"

Terry posted a picture of the jersey on Instagram, writing: "LEGEND. Thank you @ThiagoSilva. What a player & what a great man [blue heart and football emoji."

Silva has already shown his face at Stamford Bridge since leaving Chelsea in the summer, but he could – one day – return to Cobham training ground in a role of some sort. Following his departure, he said: "Chelsea means a lot to me.

"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. But…it's an indescribable love. I can only say thank you."