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One of the greatest defenders of all-time and still going strong at the highest level at the age of 38, Thiago Silva is a household name for football fans all over the world.
The defender has enjoyed a glittering career which has seen him pick up over a century of caps and lift the Copa America for Brazil, along with winning 28 titles at club level, which includes the European Cup in 2021 with Chelsea.
Such has been his impact at Chelsea, the Brazilian recently signed a new one-year contract extension at Stamford Bridge which will take him well beyond his 39th birthday, a renewal which has gone down incredibly well with the fans.
Earlier this season Thiago sat down with Parimatch to discuss a number of matters including the secret to his longevity, life under Graham Potter and of course, that famous night in Porto.
Thiago Silva reflects on his long and illustrious career
Parimatch: You’re 38 years old now, what’s been the secret to your longevity and consistency at Chelsea?
Thiago Silva: I think the world today is conducive to this type of evolution of longevity within football, and it’s increasing. The player, from the moment they start preparing, takes care of themselves for the duration of their career and mentally prepares themselves that they need their body and physicality to perform well. By doing this, they are likely to have a longer career.
From the moment we realise that we rely on our bodies, it gives us a better understanding and I think I’m reaping the rewards now. At 38 years old I can keep performing at a high level as I have been doing.
Parimatch: How does the intensity of the Premier League compare to Ligue 1 and Serie A?
Thiago Silva: I believe the intensity here in the Premier League is much higher. I was lucky enough to play these three competitions, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Premier League, so I’d say I know what I’m talking about. Usually, people go the other way, leave the Premier League for Serie A or Ligue 1. But I did Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Premier League, so I went the opposite way.
However, I’m well aware of the difficulty and the intensity that you have here. But I feel really good, especially with our team. It’s a quality team with a lot of personality that makes me feel comfortable in my position.
Thiago Silva provides insight into life at Chelsea, Graham Potter and his best moment in blue
Parimatch: What’s been the best moment for you in a Chelsea shirt so far?
Thiago Silva: The best moment for me in a Chelsea shirt was definitely winning the European Cup. It was a magical moment in my life. After eight years with Paris Saint-Germain looking for the title, and then in the first year of being at Chelsea, I managed to win it. Without a doubt that moment will leave its mark, not only in my story but also in Chelsea’s.
Parimatch: What thoughts were running through your head in Porto after leaving the pitch during the first half?
Thiago Silva: So, after coming off, I had a lot of thoughts because the previous year we’d lost the final in Lisbon and that opportunity was the only one I had to win it.
Within 15 minutes I came off injured, but I was always very confident in the team. Christensen came on and played well. He was one of the best players on the pitch if I’m not mistaken, so that showed me the strength of our team. Then I had the Copa América soon after with Brazil, so I was a little worried about that, but I managed to recover to compete.
Parimatch: You’ve worked with some top managers during your career. How does Graham Potter compare with them?
Thiago Silva: Not enough time has passed to comment on something so important. I don’t like to make comparisons of people, of styles, of work. Everyone has their own way of doing things.
However, in the short time I’ve had with Potter, I can see he is a great person, a great human being.
On the pitch, he’s a coach that shows you what you have to do and what you’ve been doing wrong. Off the pitch, he’s an amazing human being which I think, when managing a football team, can actually be more important than being a coach. So he has these two aspects to him that I think are very important for someone in his position.
Thiago Silva discusses the strength of the Chelsea squad following significant moves in the transfer market over the last 12 months
Parimatch: How competitive are places to get into the starting eleven?
Thiago Silva: The fact that you play for Chelsea means there are great players, and I think the technical level increases more and more because there’s greater competition and enthusiasm and the fight for each position increases. I think the only winner here is Chelsea by showing it’s a club with great players. On the pitch, we, or whoever starts, will do the club justice.
Parimatch: How impressed have you been with the new recruits and the overall strength of the squad?
Thiago Silva: I think the new signings were well-executed and well thought-out. Of course, when new players arrive, the chemistry isn’t always the best at the beginning – it takes time.
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