Fluminense defender Thiago Silva is getting ready for an emotional reunion with his former club Chelsea as they meet in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Silva won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea, and now he has the chance to lead his childhood Brazilian team to the final by defeating the club that gave him one of the biggest trophies of his career.
"I'm trying to help the coaching staff with small details; things that stay between us," Silva told reporters. "I was in London recently visiting my kids and attended a few training sessions. I don’t know Maresca that well, but I talk to many players at Chelsea regularly. Some of them are close friends."
Emotional but focused
Silva emphasized that his main focus is on helping Fluminense advance to the final, despite his love for Chelsea.
"I'm happy to have this matchup, and it will be a special day for me," he admitted. "But it would be even more special if we manage to go through."
He added, "Even with all the love I have for Chelsea, when you're on the pitch, your focus must be on your team. I’m very grateful for everything I experienced there. It was a very special club in my life."
Silva also acknowledged his time at both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, noting that both clubs greatly influenced his career.
“Thank God I was able to build a beautiful story with Chelsea and PSG. Now, in what you could call the final stretch of my career, I'm still part of big moments like this."
“After this tournament, my support for both clubs will remain. I gave everything I had at Chelsea and PSG, and now I’m giving my all for Fluminense. Hopefully, we can reach the final.”
