Thiago is leaving Chelsea this summer to return to former club Fluminense in his native Brazil.

The 39-year-old departs Stamford Bridge as a Chelsea legend, having played a pivotal role in the club lifting the Champions League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup during his four years in London.

Thiago was in tears as he spoke to the Chelsea fans following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth and Pochettino once again paid tribute to the iconic defender during a post-match interview.

Pochettino said: ‘For me, it is a pleasure and an honour to have managed him. 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.

‘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.’