Chelsea star Thiago Silva can play for the Premier League side until he's 42, provided he avoids serious injury, according to legendary defender Giorgio Chiellini.
Silva has been one of Chelsea's star performers in a rocky season for Graham Potter's side and has been a constant presence in the middle of defence. The Brazilian, 38, recently signed a new contract to keep him at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2024.
And despite Chelsea's dismal campaign so far on all fronts, Silva's performance levels haven't dropped, with Chiellini heaping praise on the "unbelievable" Blues man for his performances so far this season.
The Italian, now at Major League Soccer side LAFC, explained that Silva will have to be fortunate to avoid serious injuries if he is to keep on playing at the highest level. Potter is currently sweating on the condition of the 38-year-old after he was forced off against Tottenham on Sunday.
Chiellini, speaking ahead of the new MLS season, explained how his own career was derailed by the ACL injury he suffered at the age of 35, meaning he could no longer play regularly.
The LAFC man said of Silva: "Thiago is unbelievable. He's unbelievable. Okay you can play very well, but to play at the top, top level, it surprised me. Not because he isn't very good but because he's older than me and it's not easy to play every game!"
Chiellini's career at Juventus was seriously derailed by an ACL injury he suffered in August 2019, and despite being a part of Italy's Euro 2020-winning side, he admitted he never felt the same afterwards.
The veteran explained that Silva will have to be fortunate and avoid a similar fate if he is to continue playing regular football for Chelsea.
He continued: "He has to be lucky, it's crucial that he doesn't have big injuries. I had the ACL at 35 and it completely changed my body. Completely changed my body.
"It was tough after that to remain at my level and play consistently. If he's lucky he could play at 41, 42."
Chiellini was meant to begin his first full MLS season on Saturday night in 'El Traffico', a derby game between LAFC and LA Galaxy expected to break the MLS attendance record. 70,000 fans were expected at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, only for unprecedented rain and thunderstorms to force local officials to postpone the game.
As a result, Chiellini has had the longest off-season of his professional career, something he feels will benefit him as he looks to extend his playing career.
Chiellini said: "I am feeling good and happy to restart, it was the longest off-season of my career, at the beginning it wasn't so easy but I had chance to prepare in the best way possible for the new season.
"I know the club, I know my team-mates, I know what to expect here in this year. I am happy and looking forward to starting, then we'll see."
The new MLS season will be broadcast exclusively on Apple TV.
