Jamie Redknapp has been slammed by Chelsea fans after embarrassingly forgetting that Thiago Silva has won the Champions League.
Silva had been crowned man of the match by Redknapp's Sky Sports colleague Alan Smith after helping Chelsea to a 1-0 win over Everton. The Brazilian started in the middle of the Blues' back three for their first game of the Premier League season.
His performance earned him high praise from those watching on, including Redknapp. But the former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder made a huge gaffe as he claimed that Silva was not among the greatest defenders of all time because he had not won the European Cup.
"Amazing player, he’s just got this ability, it’s like a magnet, he’s so calm. One of the great defenders I think we’ve ever seen. I think he’s won 23 major trophies, the only thing that has evaded him is the Champions League," he told Sky Sports.
"That might be why he’s not in the bracket of Maldini, Baresi, he is one of the great defenders, a joy to watch. And to be still doing it at this level and looking so calm in what is a fast furious, just so assured."
Redknapp had clearly forgotten that Silva started the 2021 Champions League final, a game that the Blues won against Manchester City. Though Silva had been forced off early through injury, he still earned a Champions League winner's medal.
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The former England star's forgetfulness saw him blasted by Chelsea supporters on social media. While some accepted he may have meant the Premier League rather than the Champions League, Blues followers ere left furious.
"Jamie Redknapp's comments on Thiago Silva are just borderline embarrassing. I assume he meant Premier League - but even then, he joined the League aged 35. If VVD/Dias is still playing at this level at 35, I will be very impressed," one fan said.
Another added: "Redknapp doesn't know Thiaga Silva won the Champions league." A third said: "Why did Redknapp just say Silva hasn’t won the champions league? How do these people get paid for this."
A fourth fumed: "Jamie Redknapp really is a fool for that quote, stating the reason he doesn't place Silva in the top top bracket of CBs is down to not winning the UCL... forgetting Thiago Silva actually won the Champions League in his first season at Chelsea!"
Another added: "Jamie Redknapp on Thiago silva ‘the only thing he’s not won is the champions league’. Nah he only started in the final that Chelsea won two season ago." And a sixth concluded: "Jamie Redknapp saying Thiago Silva has never won the champions league is actually hilarious."
Before Redknapp's forgetfulness, Silva had played all 90 minutes for the Blues at Goodison Park. Jorginho's first-half penalty was enough to secure all three points, a win that puts them sixth in the early Premier League table.
