At 38 years old, many footballers would have been written off by now, and that's if they hadn't already retired.
It's very rare for someone in his late thirties to still be playing at the elite level of football. In the nicest possible way, Thiago Silva can be described as a freak.
That can only be testament to how he conducts himself on and off the field. Many managers have stated their admiration of Silva and how he works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure he remains at the level he is right now. It's no easy feat.
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"He is an incredible person and an incredible player," Chelsea head coach Graham Potter said on Silva in October. "The level he can play at and the amount of respect he has throughout the game is incredible.
"All I can do is help him reach the best levels he can at the club. And the rest is something for him and the club to think about. He is a leader, a top professional and a top person and he's a joy to work with."
Since signing from Paris Saint-Germain on a free contract in the summer of 2020, Silva has excelled in the Premier League and on a European stage for Chelsea. Everyone who knows football knew beforehand that Silva is a class act and one of the greatest defenders of his generation. His trophy collection tells you as much, but he did shock people.
A centre-back in their late thirties, many thought his best days were over, but he continues to belie his age. Ever since he moved to Stamford Bridge, the Brazil international, who is still playing an integral role for his country at the ongoing World Cup, he has signed two one-year contract extensions.
The latest one, signed in January 2022, takes him up to the end of the current season. If he stays at Chelsea, then it will be his fourth season in the famous blue shirt – and that should be an absolute must for the club's co-owner Todd Boehly and his colleagues on the board.
Despite being in the final years of his career, Silva remains one of the best in his position in the Premier League. And Europe for that matter. This World Cup is proving just that.
What he does off the pitch is brilliant as well. football.london has recently been told he has excelled as a mentor for some of Chelsea's young defenders including Wesley Fofana, who signed for the club in the summer.
Silva is one of the most popular players in the squad among Chelsea supporters and the majority – if not all – would love to see him rewarded with an extra 12 months. However, there is plenty to consider on the player's side as well, including what is best and right for his family.
"It is probably not the right time to talk about new contracts," Silva said earlier in the season. "What I can tell you is that the most important thing for me now is to continue playing at a high level and helping the team achieve the best possible results.
"Of course I need to know whether I will have a new contract with Chelsea, also for my family arrangements. It is not easy if I don't have a new contract – I will have to decide what I do.
"I must involve my family. This is an important decision and so we will see what will happen."
What Chelsea have done well so far this season is managing Silva's minutes. As well as he does look after himself, unfortunately he is unable to play three times in a week and Thomas Tuchel first and now Potter have looked after the Brazilian well.
There are many things for Boehly and Potter to think about. Getting results right on the pitch, bringing players in over the January and the summer transfer window, the contract of Mason Mount, selling players. We could go on. But renewing Silva's stay should be right up there in terms of priority for Chelsea.
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