Chelsea signed defender Thiago Silva on a free transfer after his release by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The 35-year-old Brazilian center-back has signed a one-year contract with the option of an additional 12 months in what will be his first playing experience in the Premier League.
Silva is Frank Lampard’s fifth signing for the 2020-21 season after the arrivals of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell and Malang Sarr.
He said: “I am so happy to be joining Chelsea. I am delighted to be part of Frank Lampard’s exciting squad for next season and I am here to fight for honors.
“See you soon, Chelsea fans, I’m looking forward to playing at Stamford Bridge very soon.”
Chelsea manager Marina Granovskaia said: “We are delighted to be able to add to our squad a player with the proven world-class credentials of Thiago Silva.
“Having played at the highest level for many years, we have no doubt that his experience and quality will complement the many exciting talents we already have here.
“Thiago will be a great player and we hope he can add new trophies to his impressive list of accolades.”
Having emerged as one of the best center-backs in the world in Milan, Silva joined PSG in 2012 for a total of € 42m and achieved great success in France.
He was made captain of the club shortly after his arrival and won seven Ligue 1 titles, five crowns in the Coupe de France and the Coupe de la Ligue on six occasions.
Most recently he helped PSG reach a domestic hat-trick in 2019-20, while also reaching their first Champions League final, but last Sunday a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich extended their wait for a triumph. inaugural in the European elite competition.
That defeat was Silva’s last match for the club, as PSG sporting director Leonardo had confirmed in June that the defender had not been offered a new contract.
Silva announced after the Bayern defeat that his agent was in talks with Serie A side Fiorentina, although by then the media were already suggesting a Chelsea move was almost assured.
Silva’s signing is the latest sign of intent by Chelsea as they aim for the Premier League title challenge next season.
German international Kai Havertz has also been strongly linked to a large cash transfer to the London club.
