Thiago Silva has revealed how he had reservations over a move to the Premier League before his transfer to Chelsea.
The Brazil international signed for Chelsea on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020, arriving in the Premier League after a decorated career with the French side.
Despite signing for the West Londoners at the age of 35, the veteran defender has since made more than a century of Premier League appearances.
Silva has now revealed how he never planned to play in the Premier League, admitting he ‘didn’t like’ the style of English football. However, the centre-back has credited the arrival of Pep Guardiola into the Premier League for helping transform how teams across the division play.
“I never imagined I would play in the Premier League one day. It was one, with all due respect, [style of] football that I didn’t like, if I am being honest,” Silva told Brazilian media, as per the BBC.
“Because I thought it was a lot of aerial balls – get up here, fight there. I never really liked it. Even though I am good in the air and adapt well, I thought I would never play here.
“I think one of those responsible for this change, I think Guardiola, right? He plays more, the others don’t try to copy but they look to play more because this is beautiful football to watch.
“From that moment on I became interested. I watched more at home, Chelsea’s proposal came and I didn’t think twice. I said this is the moment, here we go.”
