When Chelsea signed Thiago Silva in the summer of 2020, he was already thought to be in the twilight of his career. In fact, most believed that the move had come too late and he would not be much more than a squad player. Well, it is safe to say that the timeless Brazilian proved the doubters wrong. He remained an integral part of the team for four years, even winning the Champions League.
Somehow, Silva still continues to perform at 41 years of age. He was even believed to be in contention for a spot on Brazil’s squad for the World Cup but did not make the final squad.
The last few years of Silva’s career have been about returns. He went back to his youth side, Fluminense. That was followed by a move to FC Porto, whose B team he had played for when he had first moved from Brazil to Europe. Now, this summer, it could be between Chelsea and AC Milan, but in different roles.
According to ESPN Brasil journalist Bruno Andrade (via Sport Witness), Silva has two options after leaving FC Porto and becoming a free agent. The first is playing for another year with AC Milan. The second is retiring from the game and beginning his transition into coaching at Chelsea.
Thiago Silva has already been invited to make Chelsea return
The report further goes on to state that Chelsea have already invited Silva to become part of the club’s structure once he retires. That would see him become part of the coaching staff at the club.
The idea would be for him to start his coaching journey at the youth level before gradually going up the ranks, and hopefully ending with the first-team someday. It is also worth noting that both his sons play for Chelsea’s academy.
Also, coaching is something that seems to be on Silva’s mind already. He is already believed to hold a UEFA B license. So, do not be surprised if he chooses to retire this summer and make the transition. That being said, with a club like AC Milan still seemingly interested, that would be a tough call to make.
Could Silva be a future Chelsea manager?
Something like this hard to predict. That being said, considering his phenomenal reading of the game as a centre-back, Silva certainly seems to have the tools to do well in coaching.
For now, nothing is set in stone when it comes to Silva’s future. It looks like he has kept all options open for the time being. But it should become clearer over the next few weeks.
Obviously, not every great player is able to make that jump and become as good a coach as well. That being said, quite a few have been successful. Incoming Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso, is a great example.
Interestingly, Chelsea have been linked with another of their former Brazilian players recently. Filipe Luis has been quite successful after becoming a coach. And while he might not get the Stamford Bridge post now, it is believed that Strasbourg are eyeing him. Gary O’Neil could be sacked to bring him in.