Chelsea defender Thiago Silva was one of the first players to join the Brazilian national team camp on Monday, and the first to hold a press conference.
The main topic in his interview was how can he stay at a high level at the age of 36, so he brought some details about how he’s been taking care of his body in the past few years.
“When you are old enough in football you end up taking care of yourself a little more in terms of food. I used to eat very badly, nowadays I eat well. To be at a high level and playing what Chelsea want and the national team need I have to be 100% to do what is asked in the field,” said Thiago Silva (via UOL).
“I have a personal staff that has been with me for two years, more or less, and has managed to change my eating routine a little. I used to eat a lot of junk food, especially post-game, even before, and we know that high-level football you need to take care of all sides. At one point, it gave me the impression that I had to keep performing. Preparation, prevention, training, I did normal. What I didn’t do was food.”
“When I was about to sign with Chelsea, I said ok, he sent me a message with a photo of a handshake between us at the Maracanã, in the friendly match between Brazil and England, each the captain of a team. That was a big surprise for me, I didn’t remember that game. Today being coached by him I certainly didn’t expect, I’m glad he enjoyed my work so much, I hope to do it in the best possible way to help Chelsea and the national team. It’s a source of pride to be coached by an athlete I played against and who was one of the greatest midfielders in the world. For me it’s very joyful to share locker rooms, exchange ideas, I try to help him in all ways.”
The defender also spoke about his experience in Italian, French and now English football.
“There are three schools in my view that are very different. I had a great learning experience in Italy, in my opinion important for the defensive phase. I had teachers like Maldini and Nesta. Then, consequently, in the French league it was a little more physical, stronger, although PSG had dominance with their opponents, we played more exposed by taking more risks, opponents always fast in front. The last two games I played in England I came out with a headache, aerial moves at all times, very high game pace. We go taking a little bit out of each school and putting it into practice to help young people. I’m learning in the Premier League, more over the course of this year, and hope for a possible renewal.”
Brazil are facing Venezuela on Thursday and then Uruguay on Tuesday. Thiago Silva started the last two games with the national team, holding the captain’s armband in one of them, so we can expect him to feature in both matches.
