Our veteran defender was already the overwhelming choice for Chelsea Player of the Season, having received 60 per cent of the fans’ votes prior to being handed that award by departing caretaker manager Frank Lampard pitchside before Sunday’s final game of the season against Newcastle United.

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Now the decision is unanimous, with Thiago Silva’s Blues team-mates also picking him as their Chelsea Players’ Player of the Season, with that trophy being presented to him at Cobham by club captain Cesar Azpilicueta, alongside some special guests.

Four supporters were invited along to our training ground for the award presentation, with Karen Trafford, who is soon retiring from teaching at a nearby school, Ciaran Mullins and Finn Stapells from the Chelsea Foundation disability programme and refugee programme participant Mohammed El-Bhareien all in attendance.

All were in agreement that the 38-year-old was a worthy winner, after making his 35th appearance of the season on Sunday, with only one outfield player starting more games for the Blues than his 33 in all competitions. He ends the campaign with more touches on the ball (2,330), interceptions (34), clearances (109), blocks (29) and duels won (117) in the Premier League than any other Chelsea player.

Congratulations on both of your 2022/23 Chelsea awards Thiago!