Thiago Silva all but confirms Chelsea exit at the end of 23/24 season

Chelsea’s Thiago Silva has revealed that he has decided his future, and that fans will find out in the next few weeks. The 39-year-old was in tears as Manchester City defeated his side to reach the FA Cup finals, and it now seems certain that he will leave the club at the end of the season.

The centre-back is one of the only players over 30 years old in the squad, and has been incredible since joining from PSG on a free transfer in 2020. He has since helped the team win the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. But now, it seems like the time to move on his here.

Thiago Silva expected to leave Chelsea at the end of 23/24

🔵🇧🇷 Thiago Silva: “My four years here were very good. It's rare to see players in a high level in Premier League at 39 years of age”.

↪️ Thiago’s future will be announced soon with expectation to part ways with Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/rJFY3Mb9ip

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 21, 2024

“You are going to know in the coming days,” Silva said shortly after bursting into tears at Wembley Stadium. “I don’t want to say anything now after a defeat. I’m sad about the result, but sooner or later the news will come out. I do have a decision made in my mind, but it’s not the moment to share it.

“It’s not an individual sport, but my four years here were very good. Not that I didn’t believe in myself, but with my age and the intensity of this league, it’s rare to see players in a high level at 39.

“I don’t like to talk about me, but you can see this. In the semi-final I was ready to play the extra-time! I can see I still have some years in me to keep enjoying football.”

There is a chance Thiago Silva could return to Brazil to see out his playing career, given that he hasn’t been offered a new deal yet. The tone of his words also suggests that he will be leaving at the end of the season, potentially for a club where he can see out the rest of his career under less pressure.