Since the 2022 World Cup, when manager Tite left the Brazilian national team, Chelsea defender Thiago Silva did not return to the squad.
Coaches Ramon Menezes and Fernando Diniz have been going for other options since then, and people actually believed that the 39-year-old had retired from international football.
He hasn’t, though. And that was claimed by Silva himself in an interview with ESPN Brasil.
Speaking to journalist João Castelo-Branco, the defender claimed he’s still available to play for his country, as it was not his decision to stay out of the recent call-ups.
“I didn’t make any decision. Let’s make that very clear. I didn’t make any decision not to go to the national team,” said Silva.
“It’s not my decision. I’m always available when the CBF calls up. It’s already stated at the end of the line that it’s a call-up, you have to go. But so far I haven’t been told anything. I just haven’t been called for these recent opportunities. But if they think I’m able to help in this process, for sure I’ll do my best to help.
“But as long as that doesn’t happen, I’ll try to do my job in the best way possible here at Chelsea, playing in one of the most important leagues in the world and continuing this beautiful job I’ve been doing with Chelsea. Unfortunately last year wasn’t so good, but I hope this year will be different.”
Thiago Silva has 113 caps for Brazil, having made his debut back in 2008, but ended up being marked by mistakes and attitudes which stopped him from being a reference at the national team.
The fact that he recently turned 39 also raises some doubts regarding the time he’d be able to continue playing, as it’s unlikely he’ll feature in the 2026 World Cup.
However, with Brazil having done quite badly in the last international break, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Chelsea player arriving with his experience to psychologically help the team.
