Brazilian defender Thiago Silva announced Monday his departure from Chelsea at the end of season after four years at the Premier League club but said he hoped to return in a different role.
The 39-year old joined from Paris Saint Germain on a free transfer in August 2020 and has made 151 appearances for Chelsea, winning the Champions League, Club World Cup and Super Cup.
"Chelsea means a lot to me. I came here with the intention of only staying for a year and it ended up being four years," said Silva, whose sons are now on Chelsea's books, in an emotional video on the club website.
"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 in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here.
"Goodbyes are for those that leave and don’t come back. I intend on coming back one day."
