Thiago Silva, a veteran defender, has revealed that he will leave Chelsea at the end of the current season, completing an outstanding four-year tenure at Stamford Bridge.

However, according to a club statement released on Monday, the Brazilian icon left the door open for a future return to the club, noting, "Goodbyes are for those who leave and do not return. I intend to return one day.

Thiago Silva has been a domineering presence for the Blues since joining on a free transfer in August 2020, appearing 151 times and winning a slew of significant awards, including the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.

In his poignant message, the 39-year-old reflected on his time at Chelsea, saying, "Chelsea means a lot to me. I came here with the aim of remaining for a year, but it ended up being four years. "Not only for myself, but also for my family."

Silva's relationship to the club extends beyond his on-field heroics, as his sons currently play for Chelsea's youth squads.

"My sons play for Chelsea, therefore I'm really proud to be a part of the Chelsea family - literally because my sons are here. I hope they can continue their careers at this successful club, which many players want to be a part of," he stated.

The Brazilian defender expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the West London club, saying, "I think in everything I did here over the last four years, I always gave my all." Unfortunately, everything has a beginning, middle, and end. That does not imply that this is the end. I hope to keep the door open so that I can return in the near future, albeit in a different job here."

Despite his sad departure, Silva stated that his love for Chelsea and its fans is clear.

"It is an indescribable love. I can just say "thank you."

"Obviously, when I first here, it was during the epidemic, so there were no fans in the stadium. But through social media, it became something really meaningful to me, and as the fans returned to the stadium and life returned to normal, I began to feel a lot of affection and respect for my narrative and my beginning here," he said.

Thiago Silva also pondered on the dream he fulfilled by winning the Champions League with the club.

"Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I could achieve such great things and win one of the best professional titles, the Champions League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world."