Chelsea defender confirms decision to leave club

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has confirmed that he will be leaving the club on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The Brazil international has been a key player for the Blues over the past four years, but he has decided to move on from the club.

The 39-year-old confirmed the decision in an official statement today that he will not be renewing his contract beyond June 30.

Silva is currently on the radar of several Brazilian clubs including Fluminense, but he has yet to make a final decision.

The centre-back has not ruled out the prospect of staying in European football and he could make the switch to another elite league.

Aside from Silva, the Blues could also part ways with Trevoh Chalobah and Ian Maatsen when the transfer window reopens this summer.

The Blues need funds to balance their books by June 30 and they are keen on offloading club graduates in order to secure pure profits.