One of the more controversial departures from Paris Saint-Germain was former captain Thiago Silva. The veteran defender left the French capital after the 2019-20 season and has yet to be replaced.
Former sporting director Leonardo opted to let Silva leave PSG to join Chelsea, allowing Presnel Kimpembe to take over the starting role at central defense. However, ex-PSG defender Alex stated that letting the Brazilian leave was a mistake.
“[Silva] is the most professional player I have met,” Alex said in a recent interview with L’Equipe (h/t Paris Fans). “His problem is that he didn’t like to lose. After a defeat, he was walled in silence. Sometimes we drove home together from the Parc des Princes, and he didn’t say a word (laughs). It was boring, but that’s also why he’s always on top.”
“He is competitive and hyper-pro. At home, he did massages, recovery, [and] muscle building. He was an example for all of us. I did not understand why PSG did not keep him [after the 2019-20 season]. This is a big mistake.”
Leonardo probably thought that Silva’s age would soon catch up to him, but the former club chief couldn’t have been more than wrong. At 37, Silva continues to show he has the qualities to play for Chelsea and in one of the top leagues in Europe.
PSG has yet to replace Silva and will likely need to use the summer transfer window later this year to address that departure finally.
