Chelsea have confirmed the signing of veteran Brazilian international Thiago Silva on a one-year contract.
The Blues announced the acquisition of Silva on their website and also suggested the option to retain his services for a further 12 months was available.
The 35-year-old became a free agent, following the end of his June contract at Paris Saint-Germain, which was extended until the end of their European campaign, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Last Sunday’s Champions League Final defeat to Bayern Munich was Silva’s 315th and final competitive appearance for Les Parisiens, who according to L’Equipe, allegedly rejected the opportunity to extend the defender’s contract, due to unfavourable salary demands.
Silva becomes the third senior defensive acquisition for the west London outft, following the £45 million signing of Ben Chilwell and the purchase of free agent Malang Sarr, who will go out on loan.
Thiago Silva’s first words as a Chelsea player
Speaking to Chelsea’s website, Silva expressed his joy at moving to Stamford Bridge and his eagerness to help the club contend for silverware.
“I am so happy to be joining Chelsea. I am delighted to be a part of Frank Lampard‘s exciting squad for next season and I’m here to challenge for honours.
“See you soon Chelsea fans, I look forward to playing at Stamford Bridge very soon.”
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the signing for Silva was imminent, having completed a medical in Milan on Wednesday and penning a one-year deal.
The defender will bring a wealth of international and European tournament experience to the side, who conceded the highest number of goals in the Premier League‘s top-half last season.
He has represented his country 96 times, winning the Confederations Cup in 2013, before winning the Copa América last year. He has also played in two World Cup tournaments (2014 on home soil and 2018), and represented Brazil in two Olympic Games (2008 and 2012).
He has won 23 major honours in the French capital, including seven league titles and 16 domestic cup triumphs. He is a five-time Coupe de France champion, a six-time Coupe de la Ligue champion and a five-time Trophée des Champions champion.
His seventh Ligue 1 title last campaign equalled an individual record and saw him become one of just seven players, including former teammate Marco Verratti and Juninho, to reach the number.
Prior to joining PSG, Silva won the 2010-11 Serie A title (the last time Juventus failed to win the Scudetto) and 2011 Supercoppa Italiana title.
He will certainly bolster Lampard’s side defensively and will bring a huge pedigree of experience to a group of talented young players.
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