Thiago Silva has said he is proud to be part of the Chelsea family after his contract extension.
The Brazilian impressed after joining on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, becoming a key figure in the Blues' back-line, first under Frank Lampard and then after being reunited with Thomas Tuchel.
Silva's experience and leadership helped Chelsea seal a top-four spot in the Premier League and played a key role in the team reaching both the FA Cup and Champions League finals.
Despite limping out of last week's Champions League final against Manchester City, he was spotted cheering on his teammates from the sidelines as Kai Havertz's goal sealed a 1-0 win.
But at the age of 36, coupled with the club's contract policy for players over the age of 30, a contract renewal has not always been straightforward.
However, after the season he had, the Blues took up the option to extend the Brazilian's deal by another year, despite talk of signing a new centre-back in the summer transfer window.
An announcement of Silva staying for another season was made on Friday - just hours after it was confirmed that Tuchel had earned himself an extension too.
"Following the Champions League final, Chelsea Football Club has exercised an option to extend Thiago Silva’s contract by one year, taking his time at Stamford Bridge into a second season," a statement read.
Taking to social media, Silva reacted to the announcement with a message to Chelsea fans.
"I'm very happy and proud to announce today my contract extension until 2022 with @ChelseaFC!!," he wrote on Instagram. "I am very proud to be part of the Chelsea family."
Sliva's contract extension means one of Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia's five missions has been completed.
In addition to Silva extending his stay, contract negotiations with midfield pair N'Golo Kante and Jorginho are set to commence in the coming months, but the club isn't in any rush to open talks.
Meanwhile, there has been talk of Granovskaia completing a stunning triple transfer swoop to bolster Tuchel's first-team squad ahead of next season.
