Chelsea defender Thiago Silva says he will “have to think” long and hard about where he wants to end his professional career.

The 39-year-old has previously expressed an interest in returning to his first club Fluminense but, after eventually deciding to stay at Stamford Bridge last summer, Silva says he will remain silent before making his choice this time:

“This is a long-standing relationship, right? But I’d rather keep quiet at the moment, because it’s been controversial in the recent past. I have a family, I have children. So we have to think about that too. It’s about seeing where to finish off this beautiful career.”

The general feeling is that Silva will return to Brazil at some point but it remains to be seen whether that will happen at the end of this season or later down the road.

The centre-half’s contract does expire in June. His last renewal came back in February and supporters may have to wait until a similar time next year to find out whether he will stay beyond this campaign.

Silva’s form has been criticised

With the Brazilian international now close to 40, there are signs that the defender is beginning to lose his battle against age. There have been a few below-par performances in recent weeks, with many critical of his display against Nottingham Forest, in particular.

However, Silva’s experience is invaluable and manager Mauricio Pochettino will be extremely reluctant to lose him if he does decide to leave.

Which other Chelsea players are out of contract next year?

Reserve goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom and, more notably, Ian Maatsen’s current deal is set to expire next summer. The Dutchman turned down a permanent move to Burnley in the last transfer window to fight for his place at Chelsea.

However, the Blues will be forced into selling him in the New Year if he refuses to put pen to paper on an extension.

Watch a recap of Gameweek 8 in the Premier League on Shots! TV here