Veteran centre-back Thiago Silva has admitted he feels as though he is 'living in a dream' at Chelsea, with the defender's performances continuing to belie his 37 years.
Silva has become a hugely popular figure with the Stamford Bridge faithful and he did his brimming reputation no harm with another faultless display in the Champions League last 16 first leg victory over Lille on Tuesday night.
Although the French side sometimes made it easy for him, the Brazilian won the ball back 12 times for Chelsea - the most recoveries he has ever made in a Champions League match. Sitting at the heart of the Blues' back three, Silva also tasted success in ten out of 14 duels on the ground and in the air.
Each of his defensive contributions was greeted with a huge cheer and, as has become the norm, chants of 'Oh Thiago Silva' echoed around Stamford Bridge.
Despite his age, the central defender - who arrived in a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2020 - has been an exceptional signing for Chelsea. He achieved his career-long goal of winning the Champions League at the end of last season and has been the picture of consistency so far in 2021/22.
Speaking to Brazilian outlet TNT after the win over Lille about his time at Chelsea and his reception from the fans, Silva admitted it did not feel real.
"I feel like I live in a big dream here in Chelsea. I had not expected that it would be like that," he said.
"The fans support me and constantly sing my name, 'Oh Thiago Silva, oh Thiago Silva', every moment, every nice bit of play defensively. It's magical and feels like a dream.
"I'm really proud to play for Chelsea and their fans."
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Source : 90min