Chelsea fans pay tribute to Thiago Silva as he announces departure from club

Chelsea fans on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), have paid tribute to defender Thiago Silva, who is set to depart the club at the end of the season.

The Brazilian announced his departure in a video shared by Chelsea on social media where he expressed gratitude to the fans for their support throughout the years he spent at the club.

"Chelsea means a lot to me. I came here to only stay for a year, and it ended up being four. Not just for me but for my family, too.

"I think in everything I did here over the four years, I always gave my all. But, unfortunately, everything has a start, a middle and an end. That doesn't mean that this is a definitive end. I hope to leave the door open so that shortly, I can return, albeit in another role here. But… it's an indescribable love. I can only say thank you."

Silva's exit ends a four-year stay at the London side since joining as a free agent from Paris Saint Germain.

The highly rated centre-back stated his intention to take on a non-playing role at Chelsea in the future, which excited the club's fans.

During his spell at Chelsea, Thiago Silva won the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Read some reactions below

EE/EK

Don't make me 😭

— Naksu is From Akwa Ibom 🦋 (@Innie023) April 29, 2024

He should have been given an extra year. Do you not see a pattern? Pochettino finds a way to get rid of the good players and then leaves the club himself months later. Take PSG for example

— Apple cider guy☠ (@ElvisBond8) April 29, 2024

He’ll be back 🙏💙 pic.twitter.com/P4GfpzletT

— 𝓔𝓕8 🇦🇷🇵🇸 (@CFCLamps_) April 29, 2024

We will miss you until the very day you return.

Legend of the game.

— Ibe (@IbeOkolo) April 29, 2024

Well, we'll save you a spot for your return, Silva! Keep that locker ready for your comeback. 😉

— Crypto Empire | AMA + Spaces (@Empire8x) April 29, 2024

Thank you so much silver

We really appreciate 🫶

— Slanky (@ObiesieStanley) April 29, 2024

Give him a coaching role. We can’t afford to lose this guy.

— Timi (@TimeyinI) April 29, 2024

We would surely miss him,a leader,a warrior,a legend.

— SLIMNAZI (@SlimNazi) April 29, 2024

I will Miss Thiago Silva man

Proper Leader & Role model

Top 3 center back of his generation

— DatYorubaBoy (@_1smat) April 29, 2024

We love you too Thiago, we love you too😢

— Seun🇳🇬 (@SeunMobolaji) April 29, 2024