Thiago Silva, a defender from Brazil, will be leaving Chelsea at the end of the season after spending four years with the team.
The 39-year-old Silva announced his departure on Monday, mentioning that he might come back to Chelsea “in a different role” someday.
“Goodbyes are for those who leave and never return,” he said to Chelsea’s fans. “I plan to return one day.”
Silva joined Chelsea in 2020 after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain ended. Originally, he had planned to stay with the English club for just one season.
Even after winning the Champions League in his first season with Chelsea, he continued to play for the team. Now, his sons are part of Chelsea’s youth teams.
“It’s a great honor to be a part of the Chelsea family — especially because my sons are here,” Silva mentioned. “I hope they can carry on their careers at this successful club that many players dream to be a part of.”
Chelsea still has five league games left this season, but they’re currently in ninth place after an inconsistent season under their first-year coach, Mauricio Pochettino.
