The 39-year-old features in the matchday programme after recently setting a pair of new club records, as he became both the oldest outfield player and goalscorer for the men’s first team.

Naturally, his remarkable longevity was one of the topics of discussion when he sat down with features editor Dominic Bliss for an extensive chat, and the obvious question came up: How does it feel to set this new record?

‘It’s a bit of a mix of feelings, to be honest,’ he says. ‘On the one hand, it will mean that I become part of the history of the club, which is great, but I think, ultimately, I’m most proud of the level I’m playing at, at the age I am.’

Thiago also feels that the focus on his age alone is missing the point about what he brings to this Chelsea team.

‘Generally, what I hear a lot is people talking about the “oldest player” and constant references to “old”,’ he adds.

‘People are looking at my age a lot, but I’d prefer it if people would refer to it as experience, rather than “oldest player this, oldest player that”. But, in general, I feel very privileged and my main focus is on performing well.’

The outfield player whose record Thiago surpassed is Dick Spence, and the former Blues winger is the subject of the programme’s Long Read feature. It’s a fascinating tale of how he used all of his playing experience to help sculpt Chelsea’s newly formed youth system into one of the finest in the country.

But neither the Brazilian nor Spence hold the overall club record for the oldest player to appear for Chelsea. That honour belongs to Mark Schwarzer, who is interviewed for the Chelsea: Unscripted feature, talking about his brief, but eventful, time at the Bridge.

The programme also includes columns with Reece James, Mauricio Pochettino, Women’s team manager Emma Hayes and Academy head coaches Mark Robinson and Hassan Sulaiman, plus a special focus on our Football Operations department who have racked up a century of service between them!

Make sure to pick up your copy from the programme sellers around Stamford Bridge on Sunday, or order one online from our publications partner Reach Sport here.