Thiago Silva surprisingly acknowledged that he initially had a dislike for the Premier League. However, a pivotal role played by Pep Guardiola altered his perspective, ultimately leading him to join Chelsea.
The Brazilian football hero made a move to Stamford Bridge in 2020 on a free transfer, having previously established himself as one of the world’s top center-backs during stints at AC Milan and PSG.
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Despite his distinguished career, few would have anticipated the veteran defender’s continued exceptional performance for Chelsea, even three years later, now at the age of 39.
Silva played a crucial role in the Blues’ victories in the Champions League, Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.
Additionally, he contributed to reaching three domestic cup finals and earned the title of Chelsea Player of the Year for the last season.
In the recent 2-1 triumph over Crystal Palace, Silva was subbed on, marking his 100th appearance in the Premier League.
Reflecting on this significant milestone, he made an intriguing revelation, expressing that his interest in playing in England only sparked after Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, significantly influenced his decision.
‘No man, no. I never imagined I would play in the Premier League one day,’ Silva told ESPN when asked if he thought he would eventually reach a century of matches.
‘It was one, with all due respect, football that I didn’t like. Because I thought it was a lot of aerial balls, get up here, fight there.
‘I never really liked it even though I’m good in the air and adapt well. I thought I wouldn’t play here.
‘I think one of those responsible for this change, I think, is Pep Guardiola, right? He plays more. The others don’t try to copy but they look to play more. Because this is beautiful football to watch.
‘And from that moment on I became interested. I watched more at home. Chelsea’s proposal came and I didn’t think twice.’
It might be considered ironic that Guardiola played a crucial role in Chelsea signing Silva, given that the defender played a key role in the Blues’ victory over Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League final, securing a 1-0 win.
The City manager is widely acknowledged for influencing teams in England to adopt possession-based styles of football, emphasizing goalkeepers’ proficiency with their feet and mandatory passing out from the back.
Silva’s contract is set to expire in the summer, but discussions regarding an extension are underway, suggesting the possibility of the defender continuing to play for Chelsea into his forties.
In the immediate future, he could feature in the FA Cup third round on Saturday evening when Chelsea hosts Preston.
