Thiago Silva has shut down suggestions he is "close" to a return to Fluminense and admitted he intends to stay at Chelsea until the end of his contract.
The 38-year-old signed a new one-year deal until the end of the 2023/24 season in March, despite the Blues' woeful form under Graham Potter and more recently Frank Lampard. Silva has made 33 appearances in all competitions this term and has regularly partnered Kalidou Koulibaly or Benoit Badiashile in central defence.
However, with Mauricio Pochettino set to take over in the summer, Silva has been linked with a move away from the Blues. Reports in Brazil have circulated that Silva is close to a move back to Fluminense and is ready to 'cancel' his Chelsea contract. But the experienced defender has admitted that is not true.
Speaking to ESPN Brasil following Chelsea's 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, Silva said: "I have a contract here, right? It's strange, because several things have come out [in the media] and fans become very passionate. Some curse me on social media, others say 'Come soon' and some say 'If you don't come now, don't come at all.
"It's even boring for me. It's been only two months since I renewed with Chelsea, if I'm not mistaken, and I've always fulfilled my contracts. I only won't stay here if Chelsea decide they don't want me for next season, or if the new coach arrives and doesn't want me to stay. I intend to fulfil the contract that I signed until next year and then, next year, we'll see what happens."
Silva played 95 times for Fluminense in a two-year spell at the start of his career and impressed as he earned himself a move to AC Milan. He then made his way to Paris Saint-Germain, where he cemented himself as one of the best centre-backs in world football.
He continued: "I've always followed them (Fluminense) since I left, I've always stayed very close. Every time I'm on vacation I go there, I do my training there. I have several friends there.
"There are many messages getting sent, saying 'Come back soon'. There is great anxiety from them, especially when things are coming out in the press, some untruths.
"I even said to my wife, 'I don't know what meeting they're talking about claiming I'm close to a return' – there's nothing! I spoke with [Fluminense president] Mario [Bittencourt] yes, in January. I spoke with Mario and [director of sports planning] Fred, I spoke about my position and my desires.
"After that meeting, I still signed my renewal with Chelsea. In fact, that's exactly what was said at the meeting, that, after another year, there would certainly be a desire to return. And not just to end my career there, but to add something."
