Veteran Brazilian defender, Thiago Silva, is heading back to his boyhood club Fluminense after leaving Chelsea. On Tuesday, Fluminense announced they have signed the 39-year-old centre-back on a two-year contract.
Silva will join Fluminense’s squad managed by Fernando Diniz about a month after his Chelsea deal expires. However, he cannot play for the Rio club until July 10th when the international transfer window opens. An idol at Fluminense nicknamed the “Monster”, Silva previously played 147 games and scored 14 goals for Flu between 2006-2008, winning the 2007 Copa do Brasil.
“I cannot wait to land in Rio so we can start work and help on the pitch in the best way possible. Leaving my family in London, for now, was a difficult decision,” said Silva, already donning Fluminense’s famous tricolour shirt during an Instagram livestream.
Despite offers from clubs in England and Saudi Arabia, Silva opted for an emotional return to Fluminense where he will wear his old number three shirt. The veteran’s experience should help solidify a defence that has lacked stability since Nino’s departure to Zenit last season.
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