The Brazilian defender played for PSG in last season’s final against Bayern Munich and will also represent Chelsea this time in the final on Saturday.
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Chelsea defender Thiago Silva believes that being part of two successive Champions League finals is like a “surprise gift”. The Brazilian defender played for Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s final defeat against Bayern Munich. This time he will represent Chelsea in the showpiece clash against Manchester City on Saturday. The venue for the final – Porto – is equally special for the Brazilian defender. At the beginning of his career, he was part of the Porto B team.
“It is difficult to express in words the whole meaning of all this,” Silva was quoted by the club’s website. “Achievement is a daily goal in my career and often we don’t understand some decisions or facts, but I want and am enjoying this special moment God is providing me in this place that has to do with my life story.
“To be back in a Champions League final so quickly means a lot. You could say it is a surprise gift. Until last year I had never been in a Champions League final, and now I have been in two in a row. It is very special. Football always brings us a lot of emotions and sometimes in a quick, even unexpected way, and when you do something you love, with all the necessary sacrifices, this gift undoubtedly has a much greater meaning.”
Interestingly, it was under Thomas Tuchel’s management, PSG reached the final last year. Now for a second time in a row, Silva will be part of a Tuchel side that will be fighting for the Champions League title. “We trust each other’s work and we have similar philosophies and profiles,” Thiago says about their relationship.
At the age of 36, Silva retains the same passion for football he had at the beginning of his career. The defender, who is a commanding presence in Chelsea’s backline, believes sacrifices are needed to reach professional goals. “I don’t see it as a weight, because I love what I do,” he explained.
“I believe that for any professional to reach their goals, sacrifice is part of their daily lives. The life of the high-performance athlete demands this and nowadays, even more so. However, the fulfilment and joy are greater, without a doubt. Thankfully, I will be playing in my second consecutive Champions League final, and I hope that it ends on a different note to last year.”
