Chelsea fans have hailed Thiago Silva as “irreplaceable” and praised his heartfelt farewell after the Brazilian announced he will leave the club at the end of the season.
The 39-year-old is in the final months of his contract at Stamford Bridge and was expected to finish his four-year career with the Blues once the campaign ended.
Silva confirmed this decision in an emotional farewell message to fans on Monday morning, in which he described his “indescribable love” for the club.
Fans of the west London club were quick to thank the defender for his contribution and achievements, which include winning the 2021 Champions League and the Club World Cup.
“Irreplaceable,” wrote a follower on X, formerly Twitter. Another said: “A thank you will never be enough.”
Thiago Silva has announced that he will leave Chelsea at the end of the current campaign.
Blues fans were quick to praise the Brazilian defender, who has been a stalwart at the back since his arrival in 2020.
‘He came from PSG, to win the Champions League. Thiagoo ohhh,” wrote a third, quoting the Brazilian’s song that can often be heard echoing around Stamford Bridge.
Another commented: ‘This is how you say goodbye. Thanks for everything, (Thiago Silva). Before adding: ‘LEGEND’.
In his message to fans via Chelsea’s website, Silva said: “Chelsea means a lot to me. I came here with the intention of only staying one year and it ended up being four years. Not only for me but also for my family.” .
“My children play for Chelsea, so it is a great pride to be part of the Chelsea family, literally because my children are here. I hope they can continue their careers here in this victorious club that many players want to be part of.
‘I think in everything I did here over the four years, I always gave it my all. But, unfortunately, everything has a beginning, a middle and an end. That doesn’t mean this is a definitive ending. I hope to leave the door open to be able to return in the near future, albeit in another role here.’
Chelsea supporters group We Are The Shed are preparing a special display for the final home game of the season (against Bournemouth on May 19) and Silva continued: “It’s hard enough to say goodbye under the most normal of circumstances.” , but when there is a mutual union.” Love, it’s even more difficult. But a blue one, always blue.
‘Because of the way I arrived at the club, with the support of the club, I arrived at the club as a leader although I didn’t feel like arriving as the new boy. It’s always difficult to integrate, but little by little I integrated into the group and (Frank) Lampard played an important role in that. I’m grateful to him for that.
‘(It has been a) dream, definitely a dream. Never 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, in one of the biggest clubs in the world.
The 39-year-old was part of the team that won Chelsea’s second Champions League crown in 2021.
The veteran defender has made 34 appearances for the west London side this season.
Silva has been hailed as a Chelsea legend following his announcement on Monday morning.
‘Farewells are for those who leave and do not return. I intend to return one day.
It remains to be seen if Silva played his last game for the Blues, after suffering a groin injury late in last weekend’s draw against Aston Villa.
‘Thank you for honoring us with your presence. You came, you saw, you conquered. Oh monster,” wrote one Blues fan, while another added: “Ruined morning.”