Thiago Silva has given an update on his future after reports suggested that the Brazilian would be allowed to leave Chelsea if he wanted to make a move back to Brazil this summer. He only signed a new one-year extension in March, keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2024.
On the day that the 38-year-old had two banners on show at his ground for the first time in his three-year stay in England he was quick to address speculation. It also came just hours after his wife, Belle, had made her own statement regarding his potential move away.
Speaking on Instagram, Belle Silva wrote: "Thank you to every single one that came to me for a picture or a song. We are VERY happy here. We are staying."
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In the accompanying video she also said: "Guys, I want to thank everyone, every person, who came to me for a hug, for a song with 'oh Thiago Silva' out of the stadium, thanks so much. We, my family, my husband, my children and me are very, very happy here in London, Chelsea. My family and I are blue, are Chelsea and we will stay here. Go Blues! Thank you so much!"
She was addressing rumours that Silva might be one to join the mass exodus of players away from the club this summer after the Telegraph reported that the Londoners wouldn't stand in his way should he wish to move on. Silva, who will turn 39 shortly after the start of the 2023/24 campaign, remains an integral part of the Chelsea defence despite his age and consistent changes of manager.
It is already the second time that Frank Lampard has taken charge of the South American legend but he was unable to stop his side conceding twice against Nottingham Forest as they were held to a 2-2 draw on Saturday. After the game, he was asked by ESPN what his future might hold.
"I have a contract here (at Chelsea), right?" he explained. "It's even strange, because several things are coming out (in the media) and it turns out that the fan is in love.. Some even curse me on social networks, others say 'come soon,' others they say 'if you don't come now, don't come anymore.' "
Silva is set to play under his sixth manager (fourth permanent appointment) once Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital come to a final agreement with their newest candidate, widely expected to be Mauricio Pochettino. He has seemingly put the chances of an early exit to bed, though.
"It's even boring for me, but I've renewed with Chelsea for two months, if I'm not mistaken," he went on. "I've always fulfilled my contracts. I just won't stay here if Chelsea don't want me for next year or if the new coach arrives don't want me to stay.
"Furthermore, I'm going to try to fulfil my contract that is signed until next year. Then, next year, we'll see what we can really do."
He also spoke about the interest from Fluminense, saying: "Yes, I've always followed them since I left, I've always been very close. Every time I'm on vacation I go there, I do my training. I have several friends there.
"There are many messages coming, saying 'come back soon, come back soon.' There is great anxiety for them, especially when many things are coming out (in the press), some untruths.
"I even said to my wife: 'I don't know what meeting Thiago Silva was talking about, that he's close to the return, that's close to the settlement. There's nothing!
"I spoke with (president of Fluminense) Mário (Bittencourt) yes, in January. I spoke with Mário, (assistant coach) Marcão and (director of sports planning) Fred, I spoke about my position and my desire. After that meeting, I signed (the renewal) with Chelsea. In fact, that was exactly what was said at that meeting, and, after another year of extension, there would certainly be the desire to be able to return, in short, to be able to add something, and not just end my career," he explained.
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