Thiago Silva expressed his gratitude to Chelsea supporters after they serenaded him during the club's final pre-season match against Inter Milan.

Chelsea drew 1-1 with Inter on Sunday afternoon, as Enzo Maresca’s team concluded their preparations for the 2024/25 season.

Marcus Thuram opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge, but Lesley Ugochukwu’s 90th-minute equaliser ensured the Blues did not end the summer break on a low note.

It has been another summer of significant change in West London, with Maresca replacing Mauricio Pochettino as manager and several high-profile players departing the club, much to the disappointment of some fans.

This includes Conor Gallagher, who is set to complete a transfer to Atlético Madrid, and Thiago Silva, whose four-year spell at Stamford Bridge ended last season.

The legendary Brazilian defender departed upon the expiry of his contract and returned to his boyhood club, Fluminense. Many fans were particularly saddened by his departure, as it has left Chelsea’s defence without an experienced leader.

This sentiment was evident early in the match against Inter, when fans sang the 39-year-old’s chant.

Silva clearly appreciated the gesture, responding to an Instagram post from a Chelsea fan account that reported the singing.

He simply replied: “I love you.”

Signed by Frank Lampard on a free transfer in 2020, the veteran centre-back became a mainstay in Chelsea’s team over the next four years, making 155 appearances for the club.

He proved that age is just a number, winning the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup, as well as helping his team reach the finals of the FA Cup (twice) and the EFL Cup.

His departure leaves Maresca with a group of promising centre-backs who have yet to consistently deliver, including Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, Benoît Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, and Tosin Adarabioyo.