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Thiago Silva, widely regarded as one of Chelsea’s greatest centre-backs, spent four memorable years at Stamford Bridge after joining from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2020.

Making over 150 appearances, the Brazilian lifted the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and the 2021 Club World Cup with the Blues before his farewell in May 2024, when he received an emotional send-off from fans and teammates alike.

Now captaining Fluminense at age 40, Silva is set to face his former club in the Club World Cup semi-final in New Jersey.

During a press conference on Monday, reported by Globo Esporte, he confirmed that he has been providing the coaching staff with small but potentially decisive tactical insights about Chelsea, drawing on his close relationships with several current players.

“I don’t know Maresca very well, but I know many of the players. I talk to some of them almost every week. Some are very close to me,” Silva said. “I’ve been helping the coaching staff with small details, things that will stay between us.”

Silva left Chelsea in 2024 to return to Fluminense, but his connection with the London club remains strong. His family still lives in the city, and the veteran centre-back has recently visited the club’s training ground.

“I was in London a short time ago to visit my sons and ended up going to Chelsea’s training sessions. Of course, I can’t give everything away, but we’re prepared for this match,” he added.

The former Chelsea captain has remarkably now worn the armband for three of the four teams in this year’s Club World Cup semi-finals – PSG, Chelsea, and Fluminense. Real Madrid is the only exception.

Despite his affection for Chelsea, Silva made it clear that there will be no split loyalties during the match.

“It will be special if we manage to eliminate Chelsea, even with all the affection I have for them. But when we’re facing each other, there’s not much else to do – we have to fight for our team,” he said. “After the Club World Cup, I’ll go back to supporting Chelsea and PSG as always.”

The semi-final kicks off at 20:00 BST on Tuesday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.