Thiago Silva has stated his intent to ‘coach all of the teams where I even have played’ – including Chelsea – because the Brazil legend nears retirement.
Certainly one of the best defenders of his generation, Silva is best known for his eight-year spell at PSG where he won 19 major trophies, in addition to winning over 100 caps for his country and lifting the 2019 Copa America.
In 2020, he joined Chelsea on a free transfer but much wasn’t expected of the centre-back provided that he was 36-years-old on the time and supposedly at the top of his playing profession.
Yet, he ended up becoming a much-loved player at Stamford Bridge, playing a key role in winning the Champions League in his debut season before going into lift the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Silva remained a significant a part of the Blues defence but, much to the frustration of fans, his contract was not renewed and he departed west London in 2024, re-joining Brazilian club Fluminese where he stays today.
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Now 41, the defender continues to be going strong but appears near hanging up his boots, along with his contract up next summer, though he still has dreams of going to the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking about his plans post-retirement, Silva has made it clear he wants to enter coaching and has an ambitious goal in mind for his profession within the dugout.
‘After I change into a coach, I’ve set myself a goal: To educate all of the teams where I even have played,’ Silva told L’Equipe.
It will be an incredible achievement if Silva could accomplish this, given he has played for six clubs in his long profession, namely Brazil teams RS Futebol, Juventude and Fluminese and European giants Porto, AC Milan, PSG and Chelsea.
The player stays closely linked to Stamford Bridge, along with his son, Isago Silva, recently signing a scholarship contract with the Blues.
Coaching looks like a really logical next step for the football legend, with former teammates filled with praise for his efforts on the training ground and the way he supported younger players in he squad.
‘On the pitch, the reading of the sport, that’s what he had in abundance,’ Chelsea and England defender told Stadium Astro, when asked what he had learnt from Silva during their time as teammates.
‘Anticipation, because what people don’t know is that’s a skill. To anticipate where the ball’s going to land or where the person’s going to be and it’s difficult but to know that as a defender it makes your life a lot easier.
‘When it comes to off the sector, recovery. Obviously, the age he’s now… what he was doing, just recovering, doing the proper stuff, eating right, sleeping right, being in one of the best shape so that you can then perform in games.
Asked if Silva was very free along with his advice and helpful to the younger players,’ Chalobah replied: ‘Most definitely.
‘He knows the experience he has. He knows the extent he’s played at, the things he’s won and the way he may give back and it’s through that and it’s through talking to the younger players.’
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