Thiago Silva, 37, signs new Chelsea contract to stay at Stamford Bridge for another year
THIAGO SILVA has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with Chelsea.
The Brazilian, 37, had just six months remaining on his previous contract but will now remain at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2023.
Thiago Silva joined Chelsea in 2020 and lifted the Champions League trophy for the first time in his career last season.
He initially joined on a one-year contract with the option of an extension - which the club triggered in June.
And such is his importance to Thomas Tuchel's side that Chelsea have tied him down for a further year.
In reaction to the news : "Another year together!."
The centre-back made 34 appearances last term including eight in the Champions League, helping the Blues keep 18 clean sheets.
He has been an integral member of Chelsea's backline this season too with Tuchel's side losing just two of the 17 league games he has played.
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Silva told the : "To play here is a real pleasure. I never thought I would play for three years here in this great club so I’m very happy to stay for another season.
"I would also like to say thanks to my family, the club, Marina [Granovskaia] and to [Roman] Abramovich for this opportunity.
"I will continue to give everything for this club and for the supporters, who have always been by my side since I arrived.
"It’s amazing to have this relationship with the fans and not only that but the players, staff and the whole club. I’m going to give everything to keep playing at this level in the most important league in the world."
The Blues will be relieved Thiago has committed his future as they still have several key players whose contracts expire at the end of the season.
Three of those are also defenders - Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and club captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
Christensen is reportedly engaged in negotiations over a new deal with the club amid speculation linking him with a move to AC Milan.
But Chelsea are worried captain Azpilicueta will leave as Barcelona said to be interested in the Spaniard.
Rudiger is attracting huge interest from some of Europe's top clubs including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
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