Thiago Silva has expressed his gratitude to ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard for signing him last summer and giving him the opportunity to play for the west London giants.
The veteran Brazillian central defender had started Saturday’s Champions League final in Porto against Manchester City but was withdrawn minutes before the break due to an injury with Andres Christensen taking his place in defence.
However, the Blues soon took the lead through Kai Havertz and then put out a commendable defensive display to be crowned the Champions of Europe, winning the trophy for the second time in their history.
Speaking to RMC Sport after the game, the 35-year-old thanked Stamford Bridge hero Lampard after he had voiced huge praise for the latter’s successor to the top job at Chelsea Thomas Tuchel who now has won his first trophy at his new club just four months into his appointment by Roman Abramovich.
‘It was special, it was my first year here,’ Silva said.
‘Tuchel changed everything, the team mentality. But it’s also important to talk about Lampard.
‘Without him, it was difficult for me to win here, thanks to him for letting me sign here.’
