Brazil and Chelsea now possess the "best version of Thiago Silva" according to the 38-year-old centre-back, who is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of this season.
Silva joined Chelsea on a free transfer in the summer of 2020 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain and instantly established himself as a key figure in the starting XI under Frank Lampard and then Thomas Tuchel. The defender's debut campaign ended with a Champions League triumph and an inevitable 12-month extension of his contract.
Another one-year deal was agreed upon last term, in which the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup were lifted. And even though the Brazil international is at the tail-end of his storied career, he remains a hugely influential and dependable presence both on and off the pitch for Chelsea.
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Silva has played more first-team minutes for Chelsea than any other player this season, something that perhaps took its toll prior to the World Cup break. He has also undertaken ambassadorial duties this season by spending time with Brazilian sensation Endrick in addition to meeting the 16-year-old's family during their tour of Cobham.
Talks over Silva's future at Chelsea are expected to take place after the World Cup – and the defender has made no secret of his desire to keep playing until he is 40 years old, be that at Stamford Bridge or elsewhere.
“I am now enjoying the best version of Thiago Silva," he said ahead of Brazil's World Cup opener against Serbia this evening. "I think now, at my age, I am living the best moments of my career. I also have other personal fulfilments, I have a beautiful family that is a great support to me.”
Privately, Silva has spoken of his regret about not taking the leap into English football earlier in his career. And the Brazilian and his family have adapted and settled into life in Surrey near the Chelsea training ground. However, speaking earlier this season, Silva stated a decision over his future will need to be made before the end of the current campaign.
“For sure, there will be a time when we need to talk," Silva said last month ahead of Chelsea's Champions League victory over AC Milan at San Siro. "I need to know whether I will have a new contract with Chelsea for my family arrangements. If I don’t have a new contract, I will have to decide what to do. For my family, it's an important decision. We will see what happens.”
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