Thiago Silva has revealed that he hopes to emulate Paolo Maldini and play past the age of 40.
The Brazilian defender, 37, just lately prolonged his Chelsea contract by an additional season till the summer time of 2023.
Having spent the ultimate half-a-season of Maldini’s profession alongside the Italian in AC Milan’s defence, Silva was supplied an perception into what enabled the defender to have such longevity.
Maldini made his debut in 1985 on the Lombardy membership and went on to play greater than 900 occasions, earlier than retiring on the age of 40 in 2009.
Silva believes that he lengthen his profession equally, and thinks he nonetheless has loads left to provide on the high stage after altering his strategy to make sure he recovers correctly between video games.
“I hope I can do the identical factor that [Paolo] Maldini did at Milan, taking part in till he was 40 or 41 years previous,” Silva informed the Chelsea membership web site. “That’s my plan for the instant future and I’ve ready myself for that.
“While you’re younger, you suppose you’re a superhero. I’d play one sport a day so when it comes to restoration it was lots faster, whereas now 24 hours looks like no time in any respect by which to recuperate.
“You’ve all the time acquired to be energetic and up to the mark with the brand new restoration strategies on the market. I’ve acquired plenty of issues I do at house like physio work, and these days I’ve acquired a greater weight-reduction plan than earlier than. It’s essential gas your self nicely, not with the unhealthy stuff.
“That is a part of what I’ve acquired to take action that I can optimise this restoration course of, which for me must be faster.”
Silva contemplated retirement from soccer after a well being scare at Dynamo Moscow in 2005.
He spent six months in hospital after being recognized with tuberculosis, however was persuaded to proceed his profession by his mom.
After returning to his native Brazil, Silva reignited his profession at Fluminense earlier than transferring to Milan.
The centre-half joined Chelsea on an preliminary one-year deal in 2020 after a protracted spell at Paris Saint-Germain, and insists he “by no means had any doubts” that he would have the ability to carry out after transferring to London.
“I wasn’t apprehensive however after eight years at a membership, I used to be making such an enormous transfer at what’s theoretically the tail finish of my profession, for a lot of gamers at the very least,” Silva mentioned.
“So many individuals had their doubts whether or not I’d have the ability to play to the identical customary right here as I did at PSG however I by no means had any doubts of how I’d carry out for the membership. I really feel like I’ve stored up my customary right here at Chelsea allowing for it’s the most effective league on the planet.
“I left an enormous membership however joined an enormous one as nicely. I stayed at a excessive stage and I’m actually happy with the way it’s gone however it’s been lots of arduous work to maintain up these excessive requirements.”
Kaynak: briturkish.com
