Thiago Silva, an undisputed icon of Brazilian football, faces the final stretch of his professional career with an ambition that defies the passage of time. Far from being content with what he has achieved in Europe, the center-back maintains his desire to lift the most coveted trophy on the planet. In an exclusive interview with France Football, Silva made his position clear with a rhetorical question that defines his current mindset: “Can you imagine finishing with a World Cup title?”

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For the former PSG and Chelsea player, his contract with Fluminense, which runs until June 2026, was not a decision taken lightly or a simple golden retirement. It was a calculated gamble. Although he hasn't worn the Brazilian national team jersey since the 2022 World Cup, the defender hasn't lost hope. "I haven't been called up since the 2022 World Cup, but I thought it wasn't impossible. That's why I signed a two-year contract with Fluminense, to aim for the World Cup," he said. Despite the lack of direct dialogue with Carlo Ancelotti about a possible return to the national team, Silva is ready for a call-up should it occur: "He knows he can count on me. I'm at his disposal." Between Spartan discipline and the scars of the past. Thiago Silva's longevity at the elite level is not a product of luck, but rather the result of a revelation he had in 2009 while observing an Italian legend. During his time at AC Milan, Ancelotti suggested he take a close look at Paolo Maldini. “I understood that, to last, you had to sacrifice yourself and be a complete athlete, not just a footballer,” the Brazilian recalled. Since then, his investment in his physical development has been massive. Silva explained that more than a decade ago he spent $25,000 on a hyperbaric chamber, a figure many considered excessive at the time, but which he categorically defends: “If I hadn't invested so much, I'd already be retired.” This level of professionalism is the legacy he seeks to leave for new generations, like Andrey Santos, who was impressed by the veteran's recovery, diet, and sleep routine. However,the journey has not been without emotional pain and fierce criticism. Silva confessed that what hurt him most wasn't the press coverage after PSG's Champions League eliminations, but the words of his own idols. The defender bitterly recalled when Romario questioned his ability to lead the national team. "I grew up admiring Romario. When your idol criticizes you, it hurts. I lost some of the affection I had for him, although now I understand and respect his opinion," he admitted. That mental strength, forged after overcoming tuberculosis in Russia that almost cost him a lung, is what keeps him going.