Thiago Silva has reacted to questions regarding his future as a professional football player and where his next move will take him.

The Brazilian defender has had a great relationship with Chelsea and their fans since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain. He has also shown himself to be one of the best centre backs in the Premier League despite being close to 40.

Asked whether he saw himself going back to Brazil, Silva told Globo’s Esporte Espetacular program (via TNT): “This relationship has been going on for a long time, right? But I prefer to remain silent at this moment, as there has already been some controversy in the recent past.

“I now have a family, I have children. So we have to think about this aspect too.

“But it’s see where things can bring us happiness, to finish this beautiful and successful career that I believe I have achieved.”

Thiago Silva told 39 last month, and will be approaching 40 by the end of his current contract.

No outfield player has played at Chelsea and has been a key player at 39, in recent memory. Not even the great John Terry.

Since the Roman Abramovich era, Chelsea have been known to phase out players quickly. But Silva has broken that trend.