The centre-back may be playing his final few matches for Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
Thiago Silva could look to leave Chelsea a year early with the centre-back keen to return to boyhood club Fluminense this summer, according to reports.
The 38-year-old, who moved to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020, only recently signed a new one-year extension that keeps him at the club until 2024.
That was before Graham Potter was sacked and the club fell out of European contention, however, and Silva may regret his decision to pen fresh terms.
According to Globo Esporte, the veteran centre-back – who criticised the club’s ownership recently – is having second thoughts about continuing in west London and would rather return to Brazil.
Although Chelsea’s poor form has played a part in his decision – the club are marooned in 11th place in the Premier League table – his desire to leave is motivated more by Fluminense’s improving form and growing calls for him to return.
The side are currently three points off top spot in Brazil’s Serie A and recently brought Real Madrid legend Marcelo back to the club.
Silva is great friends with his old international team-mate and is enticed by the possibility of playing one final campaign alongside him.
Thiago Silva is keen to return to Rio de Janeiro with Fluminense (Picture: Getty)
For his part, Marcelo is believed to have been privately urging Silva to return to Brazil while club president Mario Bittencourt and former striker Fred have also been urging him to return to Fluminense.
Their pleas appear to have had the desired effect, while manager Fernando Diniz is happy to welcome him into the squad despite his advancing age.
Interestingly, Silva was presented with an honorary No.3 jersey last year and the club have not assigned the number to any players this season.
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All parties seem to be keen for the move to happen this summer, though Globo’s report says Silva still needs to get the permission of Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell.
The Brazilian will meet with Chelsea’s hierarchy once the season is over and try to persuade them to let him end his contract early despite signing an extension just three months ago.
Silva’s mind is unlikely to be changed by the appointment of a new manager and his final game for Chelsea could come at home to Newcastle on May 28.
The veteran defender started his career at Fluminense, coming through the academy, but left before making a senior appearance, though he did return – initially on loan from Dynamo Moscow – for three years before joining AC Milan in 2009.
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The centre-back may be playing his final few matches for Chelsea.