The legendary defender has been put through his paces in Scotland this week as he prepares for a coaching career on the sidelines
17:04, 27 May 2026
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Thiago Silva(Image: Scottish FA)
Brazil superstar Thiago Silva has revealed one former Chelsea manager with strong ties to Scotland convinced him to the national team's headquarters to obtain his UEFA A-License coaching badge - and it's not who you might think.
Silva, 41, has left Portuguese giants Porto for a second time this week and is considering retirement, following an illustrious career, where he has turned out for several huge clubs including Chelsea, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
Among his many accolades, Silva won a Champions League, one Serie A title and seven Ligue 1 championships and won 110 caps for Brazil, captaining them at the 2014 and 2022 World Cup.
Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho - who is poised to make a return to Real Madrid - has spoke openly about his love for Scotland, where he completed his UEFA coaching course in Largs in the 1990s.
But in a conversation with the Scottish FA's social channels, Silva shares how he was recommended to make the trip to our country but failed Blues manager Andreas Villas Boas.
The Portuguese coach also launched his career in coaching studying in Scotland, and now serves as President of FC Porto, who he guided to the Europa League title as a manager back in 2011.
Silva said: "Villas Boas is the president at Porto. He told me to go here because for him, it's the best school for teaching. So I'm very happy to be here."
The iconic defender has been coached by several managerial heavyweights during his career and singled out managers that he has learned the most from.
"I have had many coaches in my 20 years in football. I like Thomas Tuchel, Unai Emery, (Francesco) Farioli and Tite in the national team. (They had) different profiles, so I take a little bit here and there.
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Thiago Silva and Andre Villas Boas embrace(Image: Getty Images)
Scotland face Brazil in their final Group C clash at this summer's World Cup and Silva has warned his nation to watch out for John McGinn. "For me, (the most dangerous) is the captain of Aston Villa. (John) McGinn is an amazing player.
"He plays inside the midfield and out on the wing. He has many qualities.
"I think Brazil and Scotland are at a good level. But in my heart, I am all the time Brazil. So maybe 2-1 Brazil."
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