Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that he really has no say in where Thiago Silva’s future lies after this season, following the player’s recent comments.

Silva, after Chelsea’s 6-1 Carabao Cup win against Middlesbrough, stated that his career was almost over, and that he was only going to focus on finishing the 2023-24 season with the Blues for now.

In his own words: “We know it’s almost over, but it’s not the end yet. Now, the future belongs to God.

“Let’s finish well here, these four months and see what happens going forward, but I’m super relaxed about that.”

The comments have been taken to mean that the Brazilian may already be looking to move on from Chelsea, with his current contract about four months away from ending, and given Chelsea’s recruitment policy under their new owner.

However, when Pochettino was asked about his most-experienced player’s comments at his press conference on Thursday, the Chelsea boss implied that only the 39-year-old, and no one else could decide what happens in that regard.

“I didn’t hear what he said after the game,” said Pochettino, ahead of Chelsea’s FA Cup fourth-round clash with Aston Villa on Friday.

“We didn’t talk about the next season. Because I didn’t hear, I don’t know what I can say about that. Only he knows and the club if it’s going to be his last season or not.

“I think always we talk about the present. It’s important for him to keep fit.

“With his age, he’s doing fantastic. We are so happy with him. What is going to happen in the future, that’s for him.”