Credit: X
Brazilian star defender Thiago Silva returned to his boyhood club Fluminense after playing four seasons with Premier League giants Chelsea. During his presentation on Friday night, the 39-year-old centre-back made history as he received a warm reception from the fans at the iconic Maracanã Stadium.
In May 2024, Chelsea announced Thiago Silva's departure from the club to rejoin his former Brazilian club Fluminense. The Blues stated, "Thiago will be allowed to train with Fluminense prior to his registration transferring on July 1." In his 150 appearances for the Premier League giants, Silva lifted the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup while he was also named the club’s Player of the Year in 2023.
Thiago Silva's presentation was attended by a huge crowd of over 55,000, which is the largest crowd for a player's presentation in Brazilian football history. Silva received a thunderous reception as fans raised the roof with their loud chants.
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Thiago Silva took to his official X handle and wrote, "An unforgettable night at Maraca. Thank you to all tricolors! I love you"
Silva's presentation featured Brazilian pagode band Sorriso Maroto's performance and exceeded his fellow Brazilian Marcelo's presentation, which had 31k people, in March 2023. Apart from that, the celebration for Silva's return surpassed Luis Fabiano's return to Sao Paulo at Morumbis in March 2011, which recorded over 45k people in the stadium.
Silva, who had won the 2009 Copa du Brasil with Fluminense, returned to his Brazilian club after playing over 15 seasons in the European football. Despite joining the club early, Silva could play for the club after the transfer window opened on July 10.
