Thiago Silva reflects on Chelsea contract situation

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva is open to signing a new contract with the club but will hold talks with the Blues sooner than later, potentially within the next month.

Silva joined Chelsea as a free agent in 2020 and recently turned 38, but the Brazilian has been a key player for the Blues and was outstanding against former club AC Milan last week.

Silva’s current contract, which he signed in January 2022, is due to expire at the end of the season.

“What I can tell you is, for me now, what is important is to keep playing at a high level and achieving the best results,” he said when discussing his future.

“There will be a time to talk, before or after the World Cup, because I will need to know about my future and family arrangements. We will see what will happen.”

A relatively late bloomer, Silva didn’t make his senior international debut until the age of 24 but has more than 100 caps for Brazil and this winter will be his fourth World Cup with the Selecao.

Chelsea boss Graham Potter has described Silva as ‘a joy to work with’ just a month into his time at Stamford Bridge.

“The decision is Thiago's,” Potter said this week of the player’s contract situation.

“I've been here three or four weeks. I see his qualities. He's an incredible person, incredible player. The level he can play at, the performance level he can reach, and the respect he has through the game is just incredible. All I can do is try and help him enjoy his football here, be part of a winning team and all of the rest is something for him and the club to think about.”

Silva himself added: “I am 38 years old and so maybe I can’t play four or five matches in a row. In any case, I think I can give my help with my experience and I think being managed carefully, as [Thomas] Tuchel started and Potter continued, I am very happy with the way they are managing me and I believe I can still give a good contribution to the team.”