Thiago Silva has announced he is set to leave Chelsea at the end of the season after spending four years at Stamford Bridge.

The Brazilian defender gave an emotional speech in a video directed to Chelsea fans this morning. Here is what he had to say:

Four years, countless memories.

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

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 29, 2024

“My sons play for Chelsea so it’s a source of great pride to be a part of the Chelsea family – literally because my sons are here. I hope they can continue their careers here at this victorious club that many players wish to be part of.

“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.

Thiago Silva will surely go down as one of the best free transfers in Premier League history:

🏆 Champions League
🏆 FIFA Club World Cup
🏆 UEFA Super Cup
⭐️ Chelsea's POTS in 2023 pic.twitter.com/3icMFixRor

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) April 29, 2024

“It is already hard saying goodbye in the most normal of circumstances but when there is a mutual love, it’s even harder. But once a Blue, always a Blue.

“The way in which I came to the club, with the support of the club, I got to the club as a leader even though I didn’t feel like it having arrived as the new guy. It’s always difficult to integrate but bit by bit I became part of the group and (Frank) Lampard played a big part in that. I am grateful to him for that.

'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...'