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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Thiago spent four years at Chelsea</li><li>Departed for Fluminense in summer</li><li>Called club 'special place' on return</li></ul>

'Always a pleasure' - Chelsea icon Thiago Silva all smiles as he returns to Blues' training ground following summer exit

Serie A

Fluminense

Fortaleza

Premier League

Leicester

Chelsea

<p>Returning to his old club's Cobham training ground to visit former teammates and club staff, Thiago's hero status at Chelsea was clear for all to see. A true leader during a time of turbulence for the club, the Brazilian gained plenty of fans in west London and was full of smiles when visiting the Blues during the international break.</p><p></p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_vLPG6tlca/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;img_index=6" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The legendary central defender <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/thiago-silva-sends-emotional-message-after-long-awaited-debut-for-fluminense-return-from-chelsea/blte802d792100fc546" target="_blank">had a huge impact during his time in west London</a>, providing stability and quality in a side that was often lacking it. In total, he racked up 155 appearances for the Blues and played a key role in the club's 2020-21 Champions League victory. Given those contributions, it's no surprise Thiago is still loved at Chelsea.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Captioning his photos on Instagram, Thiago wrote: "It's always a pleasure to return to this special place. Thank you for your continuous affection. The feeling is mutual. See you soon! 💙"
<br></p>

WHAT THIAGO SAID

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/farewell-thiago-silva-certified-chelsea-legend-impossible-replace/bltfd63b1a9f20465dd" target="_blank">The Brazil icon</a> is now back in his home nation, playing for his old club Fluminense (where he plied his trade from 2006-2008 until his move to AC Milan). At 39 years old, he shows few signs of slowing down and continues to strengthen his reputation as one of the modern game's greatest defenders.</p><p></p>

WHAT NEXT FOR THIAGO SILVA?

'Always a pleasure' - Chelsea icon Thiago Silva all smiles as he returns to Blues' training ground following summer exit | Goal.com

Chelsea icon Thiago Silva posted a heartfelt tribute to his old club, as he returned for the first time since leaving for Brazil in the summer.

&apos;Always a pleasure&apos; - Chelsea icon Thiago Silva all smiles as he returns to Blues&apos; training ground following summer exit