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Thiago Silva Chelsea splitGetty/Goal
James Westwood

'Thiago Silva will bring experience & leadership to Chelsea' - Giroud backs ex-PSG star to 'adapt very quickly' to the Premier League

T. Silva
Chelsea
O. Giroud
Premier League
Paris Saint-Germain
F. Lampard
Ligue 1
E. Camavinga
T. Werner

The Frenchman is confident that the Brazilian defender's presence will increase the Blues' chances of fighting for the title in 2020-21

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Olivier Giroud has backed Thiago Silva to "adapt very quickly" to the Premier League, while insisting the ex-Paris Saint-Germain star will bring experience and "leadership" to Chelsea.

Silva's eight-year spell at PSG came to an end when his contract expired following August's Champions League final.

The 35-year-old played the full 90 minutes of the 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in Europe's showpiece event, as the French champions narrowly missed out on a first-ever continental crown.

However, the Brazil international still left Parc des Princes with his head held high, having won a total of 23 trophies during his time the club, including seven Ligue 1 titles.

Silva received offers from a number of top clubs upon his departure, but Chelsea ultimately won the race for his signature, and handed him a one-year contract with the option to extend by an extra season.

Next matches
CHE

CHE

Premier League

31 Oct 2026

MUN

MUN

VIL

VIL

Champions League

03 Nov 2026

PSG

PSG

Some supporters and experts have suggested that the veteran centre-back's best years are now behind him, and that he will struggle to adjust to the rigorous demands of English football.

However, Giroud is certain that Silva still has plenty to offer at the highest level, and thinks he will prove to be a valuable role model in the dressing room for the club's next generation to look up to.

"He can bring his experience, his background and his leadership. I think the coach took him for that. We have a lot of young players," The Blues striker told a press conference while away on international duty with France.

"He still has his qualities, of course, even if like me he is getting a little older, but I'm sure he will bring us a lot.

"He is going to discover a new league and I am sure he will adapt very quickly. We have a lot of ambitions this year with the recruitment and I hope we can join the race for the title."

Chelsea have already signed five new players this summer including Silva, with the likes of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell also joining up with Lampard's squad in west London.

Werner's presence could see Giroud's place in the team come under threat, but the 33-year-old is determined to "fight" for his spot next season after coming close to leaving Stamford Bridge last season. 

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