As Thiago Silva addressed the Chelsea fans in April 2024 to inform them that he would be leaving Stamford Bridge, he broke down in tears while explaining his 'indescribable love' for the Blues.
The moment his farewell video was posted on social media was the moment that many a football fan thought his career at the top of the sport was over at the age of 39, and he was heading for retirement. Well, so it seemed.
Here we are, just over a year on, and Silva is preparing to lead Fluminense into battle against his former side as they clash in the Club World Cup semi-final on Tuesday.