Chelsea boss hails departed star “one of the greatest players ever” in fitting tribute | OneFootball

Mauricio Pochettino has paid tribute to Thiago Silva following his final game for Chelsea and described him as “one of the greatest players ever.”

Stamford Bridge was full of emotion on Sunday as Silva played his last game against Bournemouth after four years in west London.

The 39-year-old made over 150 appearances for the club and won the Champions League, Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup during his time with the Blues.

Pochettino hails Silva as one of the greatest ever

Silva returned to the starting line-up having dropped out against Brighton and played the full 90 minutes in the 2-1 win against the Cherries, which secured the Blues a top six finish and a return to European competition.

The Brazilian’s name was sung throughout by the crowd, and a banner was unfurled in the Shed End before kick off thanking him for his service.

The veteran defender was given a guard of honour at full time by the Chelsea playing and coaching staff as he made his way out onto the pitch one final time with his family to address the fans in an emotional speech.

Pochettino paid a glowing tribute to Silva.

Silva is going to be missed sorely both on and off the pitch with the Blues certain to miss his leadership in their young squad.

Pochettino once again paid tribute to Silva after the final game of the season describing him as one of the best ever.

“For me, it is a pleasure and an honour to have managed him”, the Argentine told Chelsea’s website.

“He is a top player and one of the greatest players ever.

“It is a real pleasure for me and my staff to have had the possibility to manage him and to be with him.

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“He is an amazing professional and his career has been amazing.

“It was a real pleasure [to be here today], the problem now is we are going to miss him but we wish him all the best for him and his family.”

Silva will head back to Brazil to finish his career at Fluminense where he’s signed a two year contract