Thiago Silva has claimed he has been using his Chelsea connections to give Fluminense an advantage in their Club World Cup semi-final against the Blues on Tuesday.
Silva, 40, spent four years at Stamford Bridge between 2020 and 2024, and became a fan favourite after making 155 appearances for the club.
The defender was part of the Chelsea side that won the Champions League in 2021 and despite his age, he is still going strong in his homeland with Fluminense.
Silva has been a key cog in the Brazilian side during their run to the final four of the Club World Cup, where they remain unbeaten.
And, ahead of their clash against Enzo Maresca’s side, the 40-year-old said he had been spying on his former club.
‘I’m trying to help the coaching staff with small details, things that will stay between us,’ he said. ‘I was in London not too long ago visiting my kids and went to some training sessions, you know.
‘I know a lot of the players there, and I talk to them pretty much every week, some of them are really close to me.’
Silva, who was initially signed by Frank Lampard before he played under Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino, also reflected on his four years in London.
‘I’m happy to have this matchup,’ Silva added. ‘And it’s going to be a special day for me, but it will be even more special if we manage to go through.
‘I’m just really grateful for everything I went through there. It was a very special time in my life, where I won one of the biggest titles of my career, and facing them now definitely won’t be easy.
Silva, who remains an inspirational defensive figure, went on to admit that Fluminense have shocked many by reaching the final four of the Club World Cup, but added that he felt the tournament had shown the quality of South American football.
And the 40-year-old also insisted that despite his history at Chelsea, it would have no impact on him in Tuesday’s match.
‘At what you could call the final stage of my career, I’m still living important moments and trying to help in the best way I can,’ Silva continued.
‘It would be special to eliminate Chelsea, even with all the love I have for them, but when you’re on the pitch, you have to focus on your own team.
‘After the tournament, my support for Chelsea and PSG will always be there. I’m forever grateful to those clubs, I did everything I could while I was there, and I’ll keep doing the same for Fluminense.’
