How last night’s selection set up Chelsea icon for a proper farewell | OneFootball

Thiago Silva was dropped from Chelsea’s team for last night’s game against Brighton by manager Mauricio Pochettino.

But it wasn’t a punitive move, just a practical one. He’s only played two games in a week when the manager’s hand has been totally forced by injury this season, and in this case without doubt it’s a question of keeping the 39 year old fresh so that he can start on Sunday.

That home game will be his farewell for Chelsea, and this is a sensible way of arranging things from Mauricio Pochettino. There is still a lot to play for – but this isn’t a sentimental move. Silva has been first choice in the last couple of games, and Pochettino isn’t jeopardising anything with this move.

Thiago Silva cries on the pitch after FA Cup defeat.

Everything lines up for a nice day out

Chelsea have had some emotional farewells over the years. Even the hard hearted Antonio Conte was persuaded to give John Terry a special sendoff, and for some reason Paolo Ferreira’s lap of Stamford Bridge after a final home game in his spell with us sticks in the mind too.

Sunday should be just that for the iconic Brazilian. It’s hard to think of a player who created more of a legacy in a shorter period at the club than the veteran. His tears in the video announcing his departure were real, and we’re sure a few supporters felt similar emotions. There could be tissues needed at the Bridge this weekend.

Now let’s just pray that Bournemouth take it easy on us and the team can send off Silva with a clean sheet. We’re sure nothing would mean for him. We’ve really suffered this season watching him be involved in some calamitous defensive efforts, and we want our final memories of him to all be good ones.

See you Sunday, Thiago.