The veteran defender has seen big change at Chelsea in the just over three years since he came to Stamford Bridge from Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the 2020/21 season. There was also a youthful feel to the Blues side he joined, although they had been playing together for many years in our Academy, and were joined by plenty of experienced internationals in the ranks.

Following an extensive rebuild of the squad under new ownership, much of the players joining Thiago Silva at Cobham in 2023/24 are new to the club this year, in addition to head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who arrived over the summer.

The requirement to build a new side almost from scratch with an eye on lasting success has some familiarity with an earlier experience in the Brazilian’s illustrious career, though.

‘It's a new situation,’ admits the 39-year-old. ‘Despite the fact that, for example at Milan, the team was already put together, I was just jumping on the boat as it set sail. At PSG it was a similar situation to here, because I joined the club in the Qatari owners’ second season. Along with the other players we managed to put together a winning PSG team.

‘So I joined here, the team was already assembled, and despite some bad results things then started going well, and now I'm in a totally new situation. There are really young players here.

‘I'm the oldest player in the team, and I think the league as a whole, and I think Chelsea have the youngest team in the Premier League. Many of our players weren't playing in the Premier League before, many came from different leagues, so they had to bed in as well.’

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, as last season was a difficult one for Thiago Silva and the rest of the team, particularly in the closing stages. However, he believes the players never lost their determination to improve, while the new arrivals on and off the pitch for the current campaign have added new energy and enthusiasm.

‘We always went to training with great energy and made a big effort despite the bad results we were getting. We tried to be as positive as possible, because you've got no time to question yourself or get down. Every weekend and every game is so demanding, so you've got to be ready.

‘The atmosphere was never bad. I always felt great at the club, but of course it's better with more wins. Nobody likes going on the pitch, losing and going home. Personally I hate it! So I hope this season is different to last season. Obviously with all of the comings and goings and the new coach this has created a new situation for us.’

After a subdued start, perhaps inevitable given the number of new faces settling into their surroundings, the progress has been clear in the early stages of this season, and the Blues are now undefeated in October, with three wins from our last four matches in all competitions.

That is certainly pleasing for Thiago, who remains in a rush to get back to competing for silverware with Chelsea as soon as possible. Being at the opposite end of his career from the majority of his fellow Blues, he is eager to make the most of the time he has left in the game, and that sense of urgency forms part of one of the most important lessons he is keen to pass on to his team-mates this season.

‘I don't have as much time as they do, so I wind myself up. I'm really harsh on myself, because I can't lose and go home smiling or live at ease. I've been able to accept this situation a bit better, but I try to always be hard on these players.

‘You've always got to be performing to your best, regardless of what's happened in your life. Give your all and do your best, because even if it seems that they've got a lot of time ahead of them, suddenly they won't get another chance.

‘So if we're able to do things as best as we can then that's definitely a plus for us.’

Judging by the progress made so far, especially over the last month, Thiago Silva’s words of wisdom and the high standards he sets are having an impact on his younger colleagues. Long may it continue, as we look to build on these foundations and add another chapter of success to the Brazilian’s stellar career.