Former Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has joked it is Thomas Tuchel’s fault that fans at the club called him Brad Pitt.
L’Equipe have an interview with the former Chelsea man today, in which he discusses his unusual nickname at Stamford Bridge.
The Brazilian joined Chelsea on a free transfer in 2020 and spent the next four years at the club making himself a firm fan favourite.
He would go on to make 155 appearances in total. He also won three major trophies, including the Champions League, before returning to Brazil with Fluminense.
There were initial expectations that his move to Chelsea would be something of a retirement move given he was 35 years old at the time. But Silva instead became a key player and a firm fan favourite despite his advancing years.
Indeed, few would have believed he was as old as he was with the performances he regularly put in during his time at the club. This led to jokes, first from Tuchel, who nicknamed him Benjamin Button.
That’s in reference to the Brad Pitt character from the film ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ in which his character ages backwards. The nickname stuck for Silva, although Chelsea fans just decided to call him Brad Pitt instead. He, it seems, wants to lay the blame for that at Tuchel’s feet.
“He started with this nickname when we reunited at Chelsea (in January 2021),” he said.
“The fans even called me Brad Pitt as a joke. Little by little, O Monstro became Thiago Button. It was gratifying because it meant my sacrifices were visible.
“It pushed me to extend my career, but on the other hand, it put more pressure on me. I had to prepare even more methodically. Because this praise comes at a price. I now have to maintain my level and live up to this reputation.”