MY ACCOUNT
Birthday boy Thiago Silva plans to emulate old friend Zlatan Ibrahimovic by playing into his 40s.
Silva, 38 today, has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent performers during what has been a turbulent start to the season.
He has his sights set firmly on leading Brazil at the World Cup this winter and is determined to extend his glittering playing career for as long as possible.
The veteran centre-back has been taking tips from former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Ibrahimovic, who turns 41 next month.
Thiago said: “I talk often with Zlatan and recently more often because Chelsea will play against Milan in the Champions League.
“My aim is to play until I’m 40 but I don’t know if it will be this level or this competition.
“It depends on this season and we’ll see what will happen in the World Cup. It also depends on a contract extension. But yeah, my aim is to play until I’m 40.”
Silva’s current deal at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the season.
But the Brazil skipper shows no sign of slowing down for club or country and new Blues boss Graham Potter is likely to rely on him heavily — just as Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel did.
Chelsea legend Lampard was in charge when Silva joined Chelsea as a free agent in August 2020 after parting company with PSG.
He continued to be a regular under Tuchel, who also managed the classy defender in the French capital, following his appointment in West London in January 2021.
Potter started Silva in his first game in charge last week as his new side picked up a 1-1 draw with FC Salzburg in the Champions League.
And the Samba star will continue to use all the tricks in the book to stay in peak condition to play as often as possible.
He added: “When I finish training, I come back home and think about how I can repair myself for tomorrow.
“There are many things that help and players are also more professional now. Players are like athletes today. The mental aspect is also very important.”
