Chelsea man to announce decision on future "in coming days"

Thirty-nine-year-old Thiago Silva is running down the last couple of months on his deal with the Blues, but he remains a vital part of Mauricio Pochettino's squad despite his veteran status.

Silva made his 32nd appearance of the season in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City, where Pochettino's side wasted several chances and were eliminated by a second-half Bernardo Silva strike.

Chelsea's Silva let emotion takeover at full time, being captured in tears by the cameras ahead of an expected departure from Stamford Bridge, which his wife had already strongly suggested at.

The defender's partner described Silva's semi-final appearance as the "last dance" at Wembley before Chelsea's defeat, which ensures that the Blues will end the 2023-24 campaign without a trophy.

Silva suggests Chelsea exit is imminent

The former Paris Saint-Germain centre-back was inevitably asked about his future following Saturday's loss, and as quoted by The Mirror, he hinted that an exit from the Blues is imminent.

However, Silva held fire on announcing his decision there and then and intends to reveal his plans publicly in the near future, saying: "You are going to know in the coming days.

"I don't want to say anything now after a defeat. I'm sad about the result, but sooner or later the news will come out. I do have a decision made in my mind, but it's not the moment to share it.

"It's not an individual sport, but my four years here were very good. Not that I didn't believe in myself, but with my age and the intensity of this league, it's rare to see players in a high level at 39.

"I don't like to talk about me, but you can see this. In the semi-final I was ready to play the extra-time! I can see I still have some years in me to keep enjoying football."

Silva could lead nine-man Chelsea exodus this summer

By stating that his four years at Chelsea "were" very good, Silva has seemingly let slip that he will be heading for the exit door this summer, despite professing that he wanted to keep his decision under wraps for the time being.

The Brazil international, who has been tipped to end his career in his homeland, has contributed nine goals and three assists in 149 matches for the Blues since 2020, winning the Champions League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup in that time.

Silva could spearhead a nine-man exodus from West London in the summer transfer window, as fellow defenders Malang Sarr - who has been frozen out of the squad - and Trevoh Chalobah are also expected to seek pastures new.

Furthermore, the Blues have not made headway in contract talks with Conor Gallagher, who can walk away from the club for free in 2025 as things stand, so a sale may be considered this summer if no renewal can be agreed.

Romelu Lukaku, Armando Broja, Hakim Ziyech, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Ian Maatsen - all on loan elsewhere - are on the chopping block too; the latter's move to Borussia Dortmund will be made permanent if the German side trigger his €40m (£34.5m) release clause.