Thiago Silva takes aim at PSG after winning Champions League by saying he was ‘always the culprit’ when French side were eliminated… before defender pays tribute to Frank Lampard for bringing him to England
- Chelsea were crowned the champions of Europe of Saturday night in Porto
- Thiago Silva played the first 39 minutes before having to be subbed-off injured
- Despite a career as one of the world’s top centre-backs it’s his first European title
- Silva said he was always blamed for his old club PSG’s failure in the competition
Thiago Silva feels he always shouldered the blame for PSG‘s Champions League failures, taking a dig at his old club after finally bagging his first European title.
Chelsea became two-time winners of club football’s greatest prize on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Manchester City, as the Blues outclassed Pep Guardiola‘s men.
Silva limped-off after 39 minutes with a groin injury but that didn’t stop Chelsea fans in Porto and outside Stamford Bridge chanting his name long into the night.
Thiago Silva lifted the Champions League for the first time in his career on Saturday night
The Brazilian finally got his hands on the European cup after eight years of trying with PSG
The 36-year-old spent eight years in Paris and got closest to the big-eared cup last season, falling 1-0 to Bayern Munich. Before that, though, their European ambitions always ended in last-16 or quarter-final disaster.
‘Every time Paris was eliminated, people tried to find a culprit and it was always me. It’s a shame, I really gave everything,’ Silva told RMC Sport.
However, the centre-back wants to put that behind him, wishing the Parisians future success: ‘It’s the most important moment of my career, it’s unforgettable.
The Parisians got closest last season but fell at the final hurdle to Bayern Munich in Lisbon
The Brazilian was forced to walk off injured in the 39th minute after suffering a groin injury
‘But it’s also a moment to have recognition for everything Paris has done for me, but we failed to win it. with the PSG. We are very happy, and I hope that Paris will be able to arrive there.’
Silva arrived on a free transfer last summer under Frank Lampard, and was written-off as being too old to thrive in the Premier League.
The Brazilian has now proved the signing was a masterstroke. He’s had momentary slip-ups in his first campaign, but his experience, leadership and rock-solid defending have been crucial for the new champions of Europe.
Silva was a rock-solid presence at the back for the period he was on the field on Saturday night
The defender made sure not to forget about Lampard, who guided the Blues through the Champions League group stages this season, after lifting the trophy.
‘It was special, it was my first year here,’ Silva added.
‘Tuchel changed everything, the team mentality. But it’s also important to talk about Lampard.
‘Without him, it was difficult for me to win here, thanks to him for letting me sign here.’