Thiago Silva's Impact on Fluminense

After returning to his beloved Fluminense and helping save them from relegation in December, a 40-year-old Thiago Silva walked the length of the pitch on his knees in an act of gratitude. This gesture symbolized his deep connection with the club and its fans.

Club World Cup Semi-Final

On Tuesday, Silva will lead the Brazilian team into a Club World Cup semi-final against his former side Chelsea. Fluminense have kept three clean sheets with Silva at the heart of their defence this tournament and beat Inter Milan and Al-Hilal to reach this stage.

Silva's Journey and Legacy

Silva remains close to Chelsea, where he spent four years of his career, with his two sons Isago and Iago both playing in the club's academy and still living in London. When asked about the current Chelsea side, Silva said, "I'm not a spy. I don't know [Enzo] Maresca that well, but I do know a lot of players there. I talk to them practically every week."

The 'Monster' Nickname

Silva gained his nickname 'O Monstro' - Portuguese for monster - because of his imposing playing style but could easily have earned the moniker through his comeback story. Growing up in the Campo Grande favelas in Rio de Janeiro and being abandoned by his father at the age of five, the pathway to becoming one of the 21st century's greatest centre-backs has not been straightforward.

Overcoming Adversity

A route into European football came for Silva as he left second-tier Juventude to join Porto in 2004, aged 20, beginning in the Portuguese club's B team. However, during a reserve trip to Thailand, the defender began to feel ill with cold-like symptoms. He was diagnosed with tuberculosis and isolated in a Moscow facility for six months due to the contagious nature of the disease.

Achievements at Chelsea

Silva's impact was enormous on Chelsea's run to win the Champions League in 2021 which has seen the club participate in this newly expanded Club World Cup. He also won a Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup - in a previously shorter format - during an impressive spell with the Blues.

The Coach on the Pitch

Silva was seen delivering a team talk during a cooling break when Fluminense were leading Inter Milan 1-0 but under heavy pressure. He suggested a tactical switch to a 5-4-1 formation and also recommended putting Everaldo, a striker, on the wing and Jhon Arias, a playmaker, up top. Manager Renato Gaucho agreed, and Fluminense got one of the best results in their 123-year history as they snatched a late second on the break.

Silva's Coaching Aspirations

Silva, who is doing his coaching badges, said, "My exchange with him was important. I think it's normal in football for the coach to be open with his captain. Renato is very open with me. Not all coaches have the humility to understand what the player feels."