Thiago Silva left Porto this summer; his next destination remains unknown.

Portuguese giants FC Porto announced on Thursday that Brazilian legendary center-back Thiago Silva will leave the club as a free agent this summer.

The 41-year-old Silva previously played for Dynamo Moscow, Fluminense, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, winning numerous honors including one Brazilian Cup, one Serie A title, one Italian Super Cup, seven Ligue 1 titles, five Coupe de France titles, six Coupe de la Ligue titles, six Coupe de France titles, one UEFA Champions League title, one FIFA Club World Cup title, and one UEFA Super Cup title. Since returning to Porto in January of this year, he has made 14 appearances in all competitions, helping the team win the Portuguese league title this season.

Porto president André Villas-Boas praised Thiago Silva's contributions over the past half-season in a statement: "Thiago Silva is an unparalleled figure. He returned to Porto to continue a successful journey that began in the youth academy. Although fate tried to interrupt this journey in an extremely cruel way, he never forgot the support the club gave him back then."

"He returned to Porto already a successful player, but he remained grateful. He believes it was there that he learned to value teamwork and dignity, and after proving himself at several top clubs, he saw it as the cornerstone of his path to excellence."

"He possesses a calm, professional, and humane leadership style, setting an example for every team he has played for. This season at Porto, he once again demonstrated his extraordinary value: playing a key role on the field and in the locker room, becoming an important contributor to the team's 31st league title."

Silva himself expressed his heartfelt gratitude, saying, "Thank you all for your love, admiration, and respect over the past few months. It has been a very meaningful time for me. I have grown both personally and professionally, and I have received guidance from Fario and his coaching team on football matters."

“The Porto fans will forever be etched in my heart, and I hope to leave a lasting impression on them as well. Looking back, the extraordinary moments we shared are still vivid in my memory. This season’s Portuguese league title belongs to the Porto family, and they deserve it all.”

“We can never predict what tomorrow will bring,” he added. “I have left my picture on the wall in Porto, and the Portuguese league title will be recorded in history as one of the most important honors of my career. This is not goodbye, we will meet again.”

As of now, Silva's next career move remains unclear. Following his exclusion from Brazil's final squad for this World Cup, rumors suggest he is considering retirement. If he doesn't intend to retire, AC Milan and Chelsea are the frontrunners for his next destination.

Image source: Internet/Porto official website