Thiago Silva has claimed that he used his Chelsea connections to give Fluminense an advantage in their club World Cup semi-final against the blues on Tuesday.
Silva, 40, spent four years at Stamford Bridge between 2020 and 2024, and became a favorite with fans after 155 performances for the club.
The defender was part of the Chelsea side that won the Champions League in 2021 and despite his age he is still strong in his home country with Fluminense.
Silva has been an important gear in the Brazilian side during their run to the last four of the club World Cup, where they remain unbeaten.
And for their collision against the side of Enzo Maresca, the 40-year-old said he had spied on his former club.
“I try to help the coaching staff with small details, things that stay between us,” he said. 'I was in London not so long ago to visit my children and went to some training sessions, you know.
“I know a lot of the players there, and I talk to them almost every week, some of them are really close to me.”
Silva, who was initially signed by Frank Lampard before he played under Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino, also thought about his four years in London.
“I am happy to have this matchup,” Silva added. 'And it will be a special day for me, but it will be even more special if we manage to continue.
'I am just very grateful for everything I have experienced there. It was a very special time in my life, where I won one of the biggest titles of my career, and now face them, will certainly not be easy now.
Silva, who remains an inspiring defensive figure, also admitted that Fluminen many shocked by the last four of the club World Cup, but added that he thought the tournament had shown the quality of South American football.
And the 40-year-old also stated that despite his history in Chelsea, it would not have an impact on him in Tuesday's game.
“On what you could call the final phase of my career, I still live important moments and try to help in the best way,” Silva continued.
'It would be special to eliminate Chelsea, even with all the love I have for them, but if you are on the field, you have to concentrate on your own team.
'After the tournament my support for Chelsea and PSG will always be there. I am grateful for those clubs forever, I did everything I could while I was there, and I will continue to do the same for Fluminense. '