Thiago Silva 'makes final decision on Chelsea future'

The centre-back's last chance of securing silverware with the Blues ended due to defeat versus Manchester City in an FA Cup semi-final clash on Saturday.

Chelsea had a number of clear-cut chances - particularly through striker Nicolas Jackson - however the Citizens ran out 1-0 victors courtesy of a late Bernardo Silva strike.

Silva has featured 25 times in the Premier League for Mauricio Pochettino's men in 2023-24, managing to make the net ripple on three occasions, including during the 2-2 draw at Sheffield United earlier this month.

Since making the high-profile switch from Paris Saint-Germain to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2020, the centre-back has lifted the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup with the Blues.

Chelsea's Silva to leave in summer?

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea defender Silva has sorted his future at Stamford Bridge ahead of the summer window.

The report claims that the 39-year-old has decided to leave the West Londoners at the conclusion of the 2023-24 term, bringing his four-year association with the club to an end.

It is understood that Silva has made his mind up and that an official announcement is set to be released 'soon', however a timeframe is not disclosed.

It is believed that there was interest for the Brazilian during the January window, however the player himself wanted to see out the full season in England.

There is said to be a longstanding interest in Silva from Fluminense in the homeland of the player, who is currently looking to keep his options open.

Experienced head in a young squad

Taking his place at the heart of Chelsea's backline on Saturday evening at Wembley, veteran defender Silva was 14 years older than any of his teammates.

Not only does that speak volumes for his longevity at the top level of European football, but also the inexperience of the Chelsea players around him this season.

Apart from Silva, the most-experienced man in the Chelsea defence was former Brighton & Hove Albion left-back Marc Cucurella, who will turn 26 at the end of July.

The only other player over the age of 30 in the Blues squad on the weekend was second-choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, who has played just once for the club since joining from Fulham in 2021.