Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has penned a heartfelt message to fans on social media after the conclusion of the 2021/22 season.
The 37-year-old made 48 appearances for Chelsea throughout the season, lifting the Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Taking to Twitter, Silva thanked fans for their support as he described the 'blessed' end to the current campaign.
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He wrote: "A blessed end of the season!! Now it’s time to rest and come back focused. Thank you mates."
The Brazilian is looking to improve next season as he wishes to lift the Premier League title for the first time in his career, with Chelsea needing to close the gap to Liverpool and Manchester City in order to do so.
"Honestly, the Premier League. It’s a dream, something that I crave," Silva admitted previously.
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“All the national leagues I’ve played in before I’ve won, and the Premier League is no different in my eyes - it is something I really want to win. We won the Champions League last season and now I have the Premier League in my mind.
"It’s not to discard any other competition but the Premier League is the one I really want to win.”
In two seasons at Chelsea, Silva made 82 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals and assisting a further two from the Blues' backline.
The 37-year-old became a key component in the Chelsea defence, showing his leadership and quality despite his age as he quickly became a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.
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Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel previously set a challenge to the defender, who was his captain at Paris Saint-Germain, urging him to keep up his high levels ahead of the new season despite his age.
The German said: "It will be a huge challenge for Thiago also. We are aware he is not in the beginning of his career. It will be a huge challenge to keep the level up. If it stays like this, it is a good decision (to extend his contract)."
Chelsea are losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen at the end of their contracts, with replacements set to come in to play alongside Silva for next season.
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Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has been the most strongly linked alongside RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol, who could be seen as a natural replacement for the left-sided role.
Chelsea will be hoping that Silva forms solid relationships with the new recruits once they are announced this summer.
It remains to be seen as to who will arrive through the door in the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium's first summer transfer window at Stamford Bridge, but one thing is for sure - Silva will remain a Blues player next season.
Topics: Chelsea, Thiago Silva, Premier League, Brazil, Football
Nick Emms