Thiago Silva will leave Chelsea at the end of the season after agreeing a two-year deal to rejoin Brazilian side Fluminense.
The Brazilian spent four years at Stamford Bridge and won the Champions League with the Blues in 2021.
In a statement on the club’s official website, it has been revealed that Silva will be allowed to leave Chelsea early after their final game of the season against Bournemouth and join his new teammates.
He will be allowed to train with Fluminense before his registration is made official on July 1.
During his time at Chelsea he made over 150 appearances and also won the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
The experienced defender – who turns 40 in September – was widely expected to leave the club at the end of the season.
There was a strong hint at his impending departure after their FA Cup defeat to Manchester City last month when he was spotted in tears after the final whistle.
His wife, Belle, also all but confirmed the news when she shared a photo of herself at Wembley on the day of the semi-final, saying it was their ‘last dance’ at Wembley.
She had recently posted a video expressing her frustrations over reports about her husband’s future after he was linked with a move to Fluminense, as well as three unnamed clubs in London.
In the video, she said, ‘Help me help you! You know nothing!
‘This fear gets in the way of things that could work! You’re in the way! Stop posting false information!”
Silva confirmed that his wife and children will remain in London while the children play for Chelsea’s youth teams, while he pursues a return to the Blues one day.