Thiago Silva keen for Chelsea contract talks

Thiago Silva has encouraged Chelsea to hold contract discussions with him before the end of the year.

When the Blues signed the Brazil international in 2020, there were initially doubts over his longevity given his advancing years and the demands of the Premier League.

However, despite turning 38 years of age in September, Silva remains Chelsea's first-choice centre-back, featuring in the majority of fixtures in the top flight and Champions League.

In total, the veteran has made 91 appearances in all competitions, nine of which have come under Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter during 2022-23.

With less than a year remaining on his existing terms at Stamford Bridge, Potter and the club's hierarchy have a decision to make regarding his future.

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At a press conference on Monday ahead of facing Milan, Potter suggested that it would be Silva who dictates his own future, a result of the level of respect that he commands at the club.

However, responding in the same media briefing, Silva indicated that he was keen to hold talks with the relevant parties as soon as possible.

Silva told reporters: "I can tell you that what is important is to continue playing at a high level and help the team to achieve the best possible results.

"For sure, there will be a time when we need to talk, it could be before the World Cup or after the World Cup because I need to know whether I will have a new contract with Chelsea for my family arrangements.

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"If I don't have a new contract, I will have to decide what to do. For my family it's an important decision. We will see what happens."

Silva was also quizzed on a potential return to Tuesday's opponents, a club where he played his football between 2009 and 2012 and won the Serie A title.

While not ruling out a reunion with I Rossoneri, Silva hinted that a second spell was unlikely, particularly with the teams facing each other in a crucial match.

Milan and Chelsea are currently locked on four points from three games in their Champions League group, one point adrift of leaders Red Bull Salzburg.

Although Chelsea cruised to victory in the reverse fixture last week, they will need to end an 18-year streak in order to back up that result.