Thiago Silva has been one of the best defenders to grace the game in the past decade. He is a born leader and no matter where he goes, he makes a mark. His coaches and teammates including Paolo Maldini make no mistake when they label Silva ‘The Best Defender in the World’. But Silva is hungry for more. He will turn 37 this September, an age when most players hang their boots.
Silva has been the core of every team he has been in. From AC Milan to PSG to the Brazilian national team to Chelsea. He has played in teams with contrasting styles but still manages to adapt quickly and present himself as a key player. His commanding qualities earn him the armband wherever he goes. And in case he is not wearing one, he virtually still remains the captain.
He recently told reporters that he wants to emulate AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini. It was Maldini who convinced Silva to sign for PSG. Maldini spent over 25 years at AC Milan while establishing himself as one of the most fearsome defenders in history.
Thiago Silva want play as long as Maldini
“I hope I can do the same thing that Paolo Maldini did at Milan, playing until he was 40 or 41 years old. That’s my plan for the immediate future. I have prepared myself for that and now at 36 years old I continue to play at a high level and that gives me a great deal of pride.”
Age is just a number for Silva. He has had an illustrative career winning the Serie A, Ligue 1, and the Champions League. He led Brazil in the 2014 World Cup, taking the team all the way to the semis. His suspension for the semis was a major blow for the team as they were battered 1-7 by Germany. He is currently leading the team in Copa America which Brazil are favorites to win.
Can he go all the way?
Silva was instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League win last season. His performances convinced the club to extend his contract.
“From this moment on I have to live each season and each competition. I play very carefully because my physique is no longer the same as it was two or three years ago and the recovery from one game to another takes longer.”
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