Thiago Silva has tearfully revealed that he will leave Chelsea at the end of the season when his contract expires.
Speaking on social media, Silva announced that his time at Chelsea will come to an end in the summer after four years at the club.
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Chelsea posted a video of the Brazilian on their social media pages, where he could not hide his emotions.
However, the 39-year-old did admit that he would return to Stamford Bridge one day.
Through tears, the legendary centre-back said: "Chelsea means a lot to me.
"I came here with the intention of only staying for a year and it ended up being four years. Not just for me but for my family, too.
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"I think in everything I did here over the four years, I always gave my all.
"But, unfortunately, everything has a start, a middle and an end. That doesn’t mean that this is a definitive end. I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here.
"But… it’s an indescribable love. I can only say thank you."
"It is already hard saying goodbye in the most normal of circumstances but when there is a mutual love, it’s even harder. But once a blue, always a blue."
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Making a promise to return, he added: "Goodbyes are for those who leave and don’t come back. I intend on coming back one day."
Silva only signed a one-year contract in 2020 after being released by Paris Saint-Germain with then-manager Frank Lampard convincing him to sign for the Blues.
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In his first season at Chelsea, he helped the club win the Champions League after former PSG boss Thomas Tuchel reunited with the defender when Lampard was sacked.
Silva went on to pen a new contract after becoming a key player in the heart of defence.
In total, the Brazil international has made 151 appearances for the west London side since joining.
The Rio de Janeiro native has long been revered as one of the best defenders of his generation, playing for AC Milan and PSG before his stint at Chelsea.
For both clubs, he won league titles but could not help the Blues to a Premier League trophy while he broke down in tears after Chelsea were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City earlier this month, his last chance at a trophy in England.
Nevertheless, Silva has forged a strong emotional connection with Chelsea fans after some sensational performances despite his age.
The veteran turns 40 in September and still has plans to keep playing, with speculation linking him to a home return to Fluminese, who he starred for before moving to Europe in 2009.