Chelsea stars felt Mauricio Pochettino 'disrespected' Thiago Silva before his exit

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Thiago Silva will leave Chelsea this summer (Image: Getty)

Members of the Chelsea dressing room felt that Thiago Silva was disrespected by Mauricio Pochettino earlier this season over one particular decision. The defender has since announced that he will be leaving the Blues at the end of the campaign when his contract expires.

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Silva has enjoyed four years at Stamford Bridge since joining the club from Paris Saint-Germain, making over 100 appearances for the club and establishing himself as a stalwart in defence regardless of who has been in the dugout.

The Brazil international has provided plenty of experience and composure to the Chelsea dressing room, leading by example on the pitch as well despite being in the twilight years of his career.

It is for those reasons that some Blues players were stunned to learn that Reece James would captain the club this season, with Ben Chilwell named by Pochettino as his vice-captain. The Guardian reported in November that some stars were left bemused by the decision due to the experience of Silva.

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Mauricio Pochettino named Reece James as Chelsea captain (Image: Getty)

Individuals felt that Pochettino therefore ‘disrespected’ the defender given that he had worn the captain’s armband whilst at PSG and also for the Brazil national team. However, Silva promptly overlooked the matter, with Conor Gallagher stepping up to become the skipper when James and Chilwell have been ruled out with injuries.

Silva could not hide his emotion when announcing on social media that he would be leaving Chelsea, though he made it no secret throughout his four-minute video that he has aspirations of returning to Stamford Bridge in a different capacity.

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Four years, countless memories.

A message from Thiago Silva… pic.twitter.com/f2YbB4GMXY

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 29, 2024 READ MORE De Bruyne 'not closing door' on Saudi transfer as ex-Chelsea chief on mission

He explained: “I think in everything I did here over the four years, I always gave my all. But, unfortunately, everything has a start, a middle and an end. That doesn’t mean that this is a definitive end. I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here. But… it’s an indescribable love. I can only say thank you.

“[It’s been a] dream, definitely a dream. 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. Goodbyes are for those that leave and don’t come back. I intend on coming back one day...”

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