'I'm not a spy' - Fluminense skipper Thiago Silva plays down inside knowledge ahead of Chelsea reunion at Club World Cup
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Published 07/07/2025 at 22:11 GMT+1
Chelsea take on Brazilian club Fluminense for a place in the FIFA Club World Cup final on Tuesday, and it will be a special night for Thiago Silva. The veteran defender faces his former employers and the club where his two sons still play, but he insisted ahead of the clash that he is "not a spy" as he "doesn't know" Blues manager Enzo Maresca. Silva departed Stamford Bridge last summer.
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Fluminense captain Thiago Silva said he was "not a spy" before facing old club Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals - despite speaking to his former team-mates "practically every week".
The 40-year-old Brazilian ended a four-year spell at Stamford Bridge last summer to return to his home country.
Silva won the UEFA Champions League with The Blues and has maintained friendships with players there, while his sons Iago and Isago still play in the Premier League club’s academy.
Tuesday’s semi-final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is therefore a personal affair for the centre-back, but he insists he has not been able to provide any insider knowledge.
"No, I’m not a spy. I don’t know [coach, Enzo] Maresca that well, but I do know a lot of players there," Silva said.
"I talk to them practically every week. Some of them are very close to me.
"The expectations are high, and the anxiety is high about facing them in a Club World Cup semi-final, so I’m trying to help the coaching staff with some interesting details - but they are things that will stay between us.
"I was in London a little while ago to see my kids, so I went to training. Of course, I can’t give too much away, but we’ve prepared for this match. I think that’s the most important thing.
"But whoever is on the other side, I think Fluminense have a special crowd, a special aura. I hope that can work tomorrow too."
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Silva has captained the Brazilian club during a surprise run to the last four, with a place in the final against Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid on offer for the winners on Tuesday.
Fluminense finished second in their group before knocking out Champions League runners-up Internazionale and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal to reach the last four.
A night of high personal emotions now awaits for Silva as he looks to continue the dream run.
"I am grateful for everything I have been through. Chelsea were a very special team in my life. I won one of the biggest titles of my career there," he said.
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"I’m happy about this match. It’s going to be a special day for me, but it will be even more special if we win.
"I don’t think even the most hopeful fan could have imagined that we could be where we are today, in a Club World Cup semi-final, but we got here on merit, with hard work.
"We will try to be very focused for tomorrow’s game to try to advance to the final."
Silva was given vocal backing by his coach Renato Portaluppi, who stressed the importance of the veteran defender to his side’s chances.
"Thiago is a monster on the pitch. He is a major World Cup player and has helped us a lot," said Portaluppi.
"He is essentially a coach on the pitch, and he knows European football and Chelsea really well. His experience has been critical."
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