Tuchel nets huge boost as star extends Chelsea stay to ease defensive issues
Thomas Tuchel has received a fillip after defender Thiago Silva extended his Chelsea contract for another year until the end of the 2022-2023 season.
Silva, 37, moved to Stamford Bridge from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2020 after spending eight years at the Parc des Princes. The Brazil international penned a one-year deal with an option for a further 12 months. That was duly taken last summer after the former AC Milan ace made 23 Premier League starts for the Blues.
He has played a full part this term, with 14 starts among 17 top-flight outings. And he has been seen 22 times in all competitions, scoring twice.
Despite the South American’s age, Chelsea have wasted no time in extending his contract for another 12 months.
Silva was delighted with the deal after being linked with a move away. And he is determined to keep battling for the west Londoners in the twilight years of his career.
“To play here with Chelsea is a real pleasure. I never thought I would play for three years here in this great club, so I’m very happy to stay for another season,” he told the Chelsea website.
“I will continue to give everything for this club and for the supporters, who have always been by my side since I arrived.
“It’s amazing to have this relationship with the fans and not only that but the players, staff and the whole club.
Lukaku and Tuchel meet to talk future
The Belgian strikers interview last week has brought big drama to Tuchels Blues.
“I am going to give everything to keep playing at this level in the most important league in the world.”
Silva offers Tuchel timely boost
There are several contract issues involving the Chelsea rearguard. Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen will be out of contract in the summer and reports claim talks are going nowhere.
The European champions want the duo to stay but are unable to offer them what they want. Sky Sports say Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus have opened talks over a pre-contract agreement with Rudiger.
Tottenham have been linked in the past and remain keen. Cesar Azpilicueta will also be a free agent at the end of the campaign.
He wants a longer deal than Chelsea are prepared to offer and may be on his way. Therefore securing Silva for another season was essential and director Marina Granovskaia outlined what he means to the side.
“Thiago Silva’s experience, leadership and performances have been and remain very important to this squad. So we are hugely pleased to extend his contract by another year,” she said.
“We look forward to his continued influence as we seek honours this season and next, and more of the qualities that have led to him having such a big impact for us on and off the pitch.”
READ MORE: Chelsea insider reveals damning fallout from Lukaku comments, including four key players’ views
