Thiago Silva set for emotional return to Fluminense

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has decided to return to Fluminense when his contract expires this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian journalist suggested that the veteran centre-back, who announced that he will leave Chelsea this summer, still has several options, but right now, a return to Brazil is on his mind.

Silva had come through the Fluminense youth ranks, spending 1998-2000 at the club developing. He moved away but later returned to the club in 2006, looking to restart his career after his European journey went south.

Silva established himself as a world-class defender at Fluminense, winning the Copa do Brasil in 2007. Serie A giants AC Milan took the gamble on him. The rest is history.

The Brazil international defender was part of the Rossoneri side that won the 2010/11 Serie A title and the Italian Super Cup the following season before he moved to Paris Saint-Germain.

He won 23 trophies with the Ligue 1 side, reaching the Champions League final once. When he left the Parisians as a free agent in 2020, Chelsea signed him on a free transfer, and he made more history.

Silva won the elusive Champions League trophy and picked up the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup, winning the best player award in the latter tournament. 

After four storied years and barring last-minute changes, he will leave Chelsea for a third stint with Fluminense. 

Reports in Brazil claim he has agreed a two-year deal to re-join the Brazilian club. They add that Fluminense beat out competition from European and Saudi Pro League clubs for his signature. 

Silva will join his new teammates in July. He will be presented at the club’s iconic Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, the 2014 World Cup final venue. 

Silva is sure to receive a reverberating welcome at home. He has represented and captained his nation at several tournaments, earning 117 caps for the Selecao and winning the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2019 Copa America.