Brazilian outlet UOL features today a good interview with Belle Silva, the wife of Chelsea’s Thiago. The defender has just joined the Blues on a one-year deal, and his partner had a lot to say about their move to London.
Many reports said the player would only hear about offers after the Champions League final between Paris Saint Germain and Bayern Munich. And this seems to be true, as Belle Silva says they didn’t have a lot of time to think about it.
“We didn’t have much time to advise each other. It was a decision made after the Champions League game, when all the proposals were put on the table. Before that, Thiago didn’t want to know anything,” Belle Silva told UOL.
“The dream of living in England and the desire to live in a country where we could master English weighed on our decision… As Thiago intends to continue working in football after his career as a player, learning English will make a big difference for him. It was a decision taken together, but of course always thinking about what is best for him.”
UOL writes that both Thiago and Belle Silva are fluent in Portuguese, Italian and French, besides knowing a little bit of English. Their children are literate in English, also speak French, and learned Portuguese at home. And they think the one who’ll struggle with the language in England will be Thiago.
“Everyone is very excited about the move. Chelsea are a club the boys have always liked. Before we even considered going, they asked, ‘Dad, why don’t you play for Chelsea?’. And now that they are growing up and understanding football well, this interaction is very good.
“There was even a joke when we went to talk to them. We were saying that it’ll be difficult for only one reason… Then my oldest said: ‘For my father, right, mom? Because he doesn’t speak any English’. We had a laugh.”
Regarding the move to London, they’re in no hurry to find a place. Currently enjoying vacations, they hope to settle in very soon.
“The move will be made calmly. We’re going to London, I’m going to drop the kids off at school and then we’ll go out in search of our residence.
“I don’t think there will be much difference. The climate is practically the same. The biggest issue is friendships, because my friendships are not in London today. But that’s a matter of time.”
