Chelsea centre-back Thiago Silva admitted he would like to play into his 40’s like AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini.
Speaking in a Brazil press conference, Silva admitted he would love to match the great Italian defender’s longevity in the game.
Make it to Maldini’s age
Already at 36, the Blues warrior is nearing such an achievement, with no real signs yet of slowing down.
He played 34 times during his debut Chelsea campaign, which would have been more had he not suffered a thigh problem in February.
Silva is still going strong with the Brazil national team as well, having completed 90 minutes in two of their Copa America group games.
“I hope I can do the same thing that Paolo Maldini did at Milan, playing until he was 40 or 41 years old,” admitted the former Paris Saint-Germain captain.
“That’s my plan for the immediate future. I have prepared myself for that and now at 36 years old I continue to play at a high level and that gives me a great deal of pride.
“From this moment on I have to live each season and each competition I play very carefully because my physique is no longer the same as it was two or three years ago and the recovery from one game to another takes longer.”
Centre-half union
Even if Silva did compete for another four or five years, it would be difficult to accomplish Maldini levels of greatness.
Upon his retirement in 2009, the Milan icon had played 901 times, all for the Rossoneri.
In that period, he won three Champions League, seven league titles, and endless individual accolades.
Of course, comparing anybody to Maldini is slightly unfair. However, of the modern greats, Silva is certainly near the top.
His 548 career appearances are extremely admirable, as is 25 trophy haul with PSG.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have benefited from the Brazilian’s presence.
Luckily, they will enjoy his company for another campaign after his contract was extended until 2022.
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