Fabrizio Romano has shared that one Chelsea player actually rejected a move away from the club back in January.
He took to Twitter to state that the intention was to share his expertise with the rest of the playing squad before eventually leaving the club.
The Blues endured a quiet January transfer window, where they didn’t complete a permanent signing or sale.
Chelsea set for busy summer transfer window
The summer looks set to be a whole lot more busy, with them needing a number of top players to move on in order to spend again.
However, one player they will not receive a fee for is Thiago Silva, with his contract running out at the end of the season.
The Brazilian was clearly emotional at full-time of the FA Cup semi-final, with many speculating if it was his last opportunity at a trophy at Stamford Bridge.
Now, Romano has confirmed this is the case, although stated that he turned down a move away in January in order to assist the current side.
Thiago Silva rejected move away in January
He said: “Thiago Silva will leave Chelsea as free agent the end of the season. The decision has been made, to be confirmed soon. He rejected proposals in January to stay and help Chelsea until the end.
“Thiago has Fluminense interest since long time but keeping all options open.”
The defender has clearly had an impact on a number of top players at the club, with Conor Gallgher describing him earlier this season as‘massive’.
The fact that he was willing to turn down potential first team football in his home country in order to assist some of the younger players coming through in West London is a real statement of how much affection he has for the project at Stamford Bridge.
While it looks as if he cannot end his time at the club on a positive note, he will be leaving a legacy behind that supporters admire, with them universally grateful for what he has brought to the club in what was seen as the twilight of his career.