Following a thoroughly successful start to life at Stamford Bridge, which included winning the Champions League for the first time in his career having joined from PSG in the summer of 2020, Thiago Silva continues to belie his age. This season he has maintained the exceptionally high levels of performance that have made him integral to Thomas Tuchel, and a firm favourite with Chelsea fans.

He has already racked up 22 appearances this campaign, showcasing his customary composure and reading of the game in the heart of our defence. The 37-year-old also opened the scoring in our away fixtures at Tottenham and West Ham, and added the Super Cup to his collection after our triumph in Belfast.

He will be hoping that is not the last piece of silverware he gets his hands on this term with five separate trophies still up for grabs.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: ‘Thiago Silva's experience, leadership and performances have been and remain very important to this squad, so we are hugely pleased to extend his contract by another year.

‘We look forward to his continued influence as we seek honours this season and next, and more of the qualities that have led to him having such a big impact for us on and off the pitch.’

After putting pen to paper, Thiago Silva added: ‘To play here with Chelsea is a real pleasure. I never thought I would play for three years here in this great club so I’m very happy to stay for another season.

‘I would also like to say thanks to my family, the club, Marina and to Mr Abramovich for this opportunity. I will continue to give everything for this club and for the supporters, who have always been by my side since I arrived.

‘It’s amazing to have this relationship with the fans and not only that but the players, staff and the whole club. I’m going to give everything to keep playing at this level in the most important league in the world.’

Thiago Silva’s new deal will run until the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, midway through which he will also be hoping to represent Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar having remained a regular for the Selecao in qualifying.

He recently made his 100th appearance for his country, while Thiago Silva’s Chelsea tally of games stands at 56 after yesterday’s draw with Liverpool.