Four years was more than enough to make Thiago Silva a Chelsea legend

Thiago Silva will depart Chelsea at the end of the season following four memorable years in which he secured his status as an all-time great.

By Jon Turner | April 30, 2024

The outpouring of tributes said it all. After four years, the great Thiago Silva announced he will leave Chelsea at the end of the season.

In an emotional video to confirm his exit, Thiago Silva 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. 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. It’s an indescribable love. I can only say thank you.”

The “indescribable love” is mutual, Thiago. There was not a single Chelsea fan who did not feel a a wave of emotion when watching that video, realising we were saying goodbye to a modern-day club legend.

Without doubt the classiest defender to ever pull on a Chelsea shirt, Thiago Silva commanded his defence with composed assuredness. He was a master of positional awareness, allowing him to read a game better than most; while opponents were playing checkers, the Brazilian was playing chess.

He had the touch, passing skills, vision, and speed of thought of a deep-lying playmaker, yet still retained the aggression and strength of a rugged centre-back when required. At 5ft 11in, he was not tallest but was still a towering figure in both boxes.

Beyond his brilliance on the pitch, Thiago Silva – and indeed his entire family – were passionately dedicated to the Chelsea cause. They all understood and bought into the ethos of the club, and formed immediate and unbreakable bonds with the Chelsea faithful.

A winner to his very core, Thiago Silva embodied the best of our club, and during the recent years of upheaval and transition, he was a throwback to the days when the team was packed with players possessing the same champion’s mentality.

A telling tribute came from our greatest ever captain, when John Terry wrote on Instagram: “It’s been a pleasure watching you mate, just a shame I didn’t get the chance to play alongside you. LEGEND.”

It’s a strong indication of Thiago Silva’s quality that the Brazilian is the only player in the current Chelsea squad who would earn a place in Terry’s all-conquering XI under Jose Mourinho – despite being on the older side of 35!

Indeed, when he arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2020, initially on a one-year deal, he did so as the oldest and by far the cheapest player of a lavish summer of spending.

Released from the shackles of a transfer ban, Chelsea set about reinvigorating the squad with several exciting signings. A 21-year-old Kai Havertz, recruited for £60m from Bayer Leverkusen, was the poster boy. He was joined through the doors by striker Timo Werner (£47.5m), talented Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech (£35m), England full-back Ben Chilwell (£45m), and highly rated goalkeeper Edouard Mendy (£22m).

Yet it was a 35-year-old defender signed on a free transfer who would make by far the greatest impact. This was no ordinary 35-year-old defender, though, and as Thiago Silva prepares to leave four years later, only Chilwell has outlasted him.

Chelsea were aware they had signed one of the greatest defenders of his generation, but there were a few concerns that his best days might be behind him. Thiago Silva hardly got off to the best start when his uncharacteristic error led to a West Brom goal in a 3-3 draw on his Premier League debut.

But he soon found his feet and even as the team began to stutter under Frank Lampard, the former AC Milan and PSG star was the model of consistency.

The arrival of Thomas Tuchel immediately transformed the fortunes of the team and Thiago Silva took his game to another level. It all culminated on that famous night in Porto.

Living up to his nickname ‘O Monstro’, Thiago Silva was a colossal figure throughout the Champions League knockout stages. He missed the last 16 tie against Atletico Madrid but was sensational in the semi-finals against Real Madrid.

Such was his importance, when he limped off injured in the final against Manchester City, many fans might have feared the worst. Thankfully, a brilliant team performance and tactical masterclass from Tuchel saw Chelsea become European champions for a second time.

One year after suffering heartbreak in the final with PSG, also while playing under Tuchel, Thiago Silva was finally a European champion. It was nothing less than his and his glittering career deserved. That Chelsea were able to help him realise that lifelong dream made it exceptionally special.

“[It’s been a] dream, definitely a dream,” Thiago Silva said. “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.”

Demonstrating his ageless ability, Thiago Silva was then named Player of the Tournament at the FIFA Club World Cup as Chelsea won the title. He’s the first Premier League defender to win the award. He was also named Chelsea’s Player of the Season last year.

The tributes from his teammates show the incomparable regard in which he is held by the squad.

“A true brother,” captain Reece James posted. “One of the best players to play the game and an even better person. We shared many memories together that’ll stay with me forever. Thank you for everything big bro.”

Trevoh Chalobah simply added: “Shared the pitch with my idol, grateful.”

As Thiago Silva prepares to end his Chelsea career, two concerns linger. Firstly, the Brazilian picked up an injury last time out against Aston Villa, raising fears he may have played his final game for the Blues and will be denied a fitting farewell.

The second is the possibility he could move to a Premier League rival. He is expected to return to Brazil with former club Fluminense but with offers reportedly from three clubs in London, he could be an opponent next season.

Yet after 151 appearances, nine goals, two major trophies, the UEFA Super Cup, and one eternal bond with the fans, Thiago Silva has secured legendary status.

As the great man said himself: “Once a Blue, always a Blue.”