Transfer Centre

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva: 'Reaching the end of career is not easy'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 30 October 2023

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva suggests that he is not finding dealing with the latter stages of his professional career an easy process.

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has reiterated that he remains torn over where to end his professional career.

The recently-turned 39-year-old has enjoyed an illustrious career, playing at the top level of European football ever since he first moved to AC Milan in 2009.

When he made the switch to Chelsea back in 2020, the perception was that it would be for a brief period in the twilight of his career, but the Brazil international is arguably the club's first choice in that position.

As well as winning the Champions League in his first season at Stamford Bridge, Silva has made a total of 127 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals.

However, Silva is now well into the final year of his contract and there appears to have been few developments regarding a renewal.

Chelsea's Thiago Silva in action with Nottingham Forest's Taiwo Awoniyi on September 2, 2023 © Reuters

At this stage of the season and given his age, that should not necessarily be taken to be a surprise, as well as the fact that another stint in his homeland remains a possibility.

There have been constant links with former club Fluminense, who in the past have been suggested as Silva's ideal place to end his playing days.

Nevertheless, speaking to Sky Italia, Silva has indicated that he is struggling to make concrete decisions over how to hang up his boots in the perfect fashion.

Silva said: "The end of my career is getting closer, it's not easy. You've to think about when you want to retire, where do you go as final club, the family, my kids play at Chelsea.

Chelsea's Thiago Silva, Robert Sanchez and Axel Disasi look dejected after Michail Antonio scores for West Ham United on August 20, 2023 © Reuters

"I'm just focused on enjoying my final year of contract at Chelsea. I don't know what's going to happen next year but I'm very happy of my career."

Under Mauricio Pochettino, Silva is the only outfield player to play every single minute of Chelsea's 10 Premier League fixtures.

Pochettino is blessed with a wide array of younger options for the future, though, with Silva currently competing with Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile, while Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah are injured.

Furthermore, Bashir Humphreys will hope to come into contention after a loan spell at Swansea City, while Chelsea will allegedly be in the market for a fresh face in defence during the January transfer window.