The Thiago Silva farewell tour has now come to its final stop. Paris Saint-Germain will be taking on FC Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League final next week. The fixture will be Silva’s last game with the club after such a memorable run.
Silva and his side were able to reach the final after a difficult run over the Champions League knockout stage. At the point during the fixture against Atalanta, it seemed as if his career would end with another disappointing exit in the competition but the team rallied late to advance to the semis. In speaking to PSG TV, Silva looked back at the thrilling contest against Atalanta and how, at one point, he questioned whether the game would be his last with the club.
“As I played against Atalanta, I wasn’t sure if that was going to be my last one, or else if I’d have the chance to play another game,” Silva said. “And I can’t help having that thought in my mind, I think it’s just natural. But I’m quite calm, and quite happy with everything I’ve gone through at the club. And if this turns out to be my last game, I’ll be happy with it.”
Silva also took some time to reflect on his PSG career. It has been one filled with ups and downs but he is pleased with his overall run.
“I was able to give everything that I could,” Silva said. “I feel happy, first, and very honored to have been part of this team, having helped the evolution of the team. But in this whole process, we had a few disappointments, some joys, but the disappointments were very strong, the pressure was very strong. But I’m very grateful, I’ll be grateful my whole life for everything I’ve experienced here.”
The final will pit PSG against FC Bayern Munich. Silva is aware of the challenge ahead for his side as it faces a high-octane scoring team.
“All of us who enjoy football see Bayern Munich as a role model in both the European and world stage,” Silva said. “A team that plays with a high intensity and has a lot of quality. We must respect their team, and try to play in our style, as we’ve been doing all season, to play at our highest level.”
The final is set for Aug. 23.
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