The Brazilian defender’s impact on Stamford Bridge
Thiago Silva’s entrance at Stamford Bridge three years ago stirred eyebrows. The Brazilian defender, at 35, signed a one-year contract with Frank Lampard’s Chelsea in the summer of 2020, leaving behind a historical career at PSG to try his abilities in the Premier League. Today, at the age of 39, Silva remains a key component of the Chelsea squad, starting every Premier League match this season and showing unwavering consistency.
The importance of Silva to Chelsea cannot be highlighted. Despite being substituted in the final against Manchester City due to injury, he was an important member of the side that won the club’s second Champions League trophy in 2021. He appeared in almost every match throughout the competition, displaying his experience and defensive prowess.
According to journalist Paul Brown, Silva’s impact will solidify his position as one of Chelsea’s best-ever signings in recent history. Given that he arrived on a free transfer, his impact grows even stronger. Brown praises Silva’s unwavering dedication, calling him “incredibly important” for the Stamford Bridge side.
Brown stated “There aren’t that many leaders left really at Chelsea and I think when people look back on his time at the club, it won’t be remembered as a massively trophy-laden spell because of the way the last few months have gone. But I do think that when people look back, they will look at him and think that he was one of their best signings of recent times. I think he’s been incredibly important for them.”
Silva’s contract is expected to expire at the end of the season, sparking questions over his future. Despite rumors of a return to Brazil during the last summer transfer window, Silva chose to stay in the Premier League for a fourth consecutive season. It might seem odd that he will play into his forties, but Silva has defied age as a barrier throughout his career, often exploiting it to his advantage.
As Silva’s Chelsea career nears its end, one thing is certain: he will be remembered as a modern-day cult figure in west London. His achievements on the field have left an indelible stamp on Chelsea’s history, showing that age is just a number when it comes to true footballing excellence.
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