Thiago Silva sets out retirement plans and names Chelsea legend he’s spoken to about coaching

Chelsea centre-back Thiago Silva plans to continue playing at the top level until he is at least 40 years old before then moving into coaching.

The Brazilian arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer on a free transfer and there were those, Frank Lampard included, who were unsure he could thrive in the Premier League.

Silva, who celebrated his 36th birthday in September, quickly dispelled those doubts, producing a series of assured performances in the heart of the Chelsea defence.

“I remember playing in the Premier League at 36 and I couldn’t play like he’s playing, week in week out,” Lampard told Sky Sports in December.

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

Click to play
Tap to play

The video will auto-play soon8Cancel

Play now

“So what I’ll say is I probably was a bit tentative. I knew he was a top player, and had been a great player for a long time, but the pressures of the Premier League when you’ve never played there [are tough].”

Lampard continued: “Working with him now I can see the quality, the preparation, the reading of the game, the desire to win headers and compete with anyone he plays against.

“He’s really studious about the game as well, he’s clearly going to be a manager or whatever he wants to be after the game. He’s been a great addition for us on and off the pitch.”

Silva signed a one-year contract with Chelsea in August and there is an option for the Blues to extend the deal for a further 12 months.

Given the Brazil international’s performances, first under Lampard and now Thomas Tuchel, there is no reason for Chelsea not to keep him in London for another season at least.

Read More
Read More

That, however, would only see Silva remain at Stamford Bridge until the age of 37. He has no intention of ending his playing career at that point.

“I have it settled in my mind: I’m working my body to play until I’m 40,” Silva said in an interview published in the March edition FourFourTwo.

“I’m not sure if it’s because I played with (Paolo) Maldini and he carried on until he turned 41, but I watched the last six months of his great career and could see it’s possible to get there.

“It was impressive, the way he prepared himself to games, and how he dedicated himself to the team. My plan is to be at the next World Cup in 2022.”

Retirement is clearly not in Silva’s imminent future but the Chelsea defender, who has captained the Blues on nine occasions this term, has taken the first steps towards becoming a coach, which he plans to do when he hangs up his boots.

He completed his first coaching badges with the Brazilian FA last year and has spoken with Lampard and Tuchel about moving into management.

1 255847988

Why should you sign up?

In each football.london Chelsea bulletin, we’ll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans.

We’ll also send special newsletters when big stories break or there’s a special event happening.

How do you sign up?

It’s easy and only takes seconds.

Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article – or any article on the Chelsea section of football.london in fact – labelled ‘Get the biggest daily stories by email’ and click ‘Subscribe’.

And that’s it, you’re all set.

If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters – but we don’t think you’ll want to.

For more details, click here.

“I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t the plan. I do think about it, but it’s still a bit away yet,” he added.

“I’m fortunate to have had many great coaches, like Carlo Ancelotti and Tite [Brazil head coach], so I’ve earned lots under them.

“I also spoke to Lampard and Thomas Tuchel about my desire to become a manager.”

Recommended For You