Chelsea centre-back Thiago Silva has revealed that he intends to continue playing beyond the age of 40.
The 37-year-old has been a key player at the heart of the defence for Thomas Tuchel's side this season, making 35 appearances across all competitions.
Silva committed his future to Stamford Bridge by signing a 12-months contract extension earlier this season – tying him down until June 2023, just a few months before his 39th birthday – and the Brazilian hopes to emulate AC Milan legend Paulo Maldini by playing into his 40s.
"I hope I can do the same thing that Maldini did at Milan, playing until he was 40 or 41 years old," Silva told Chelsea's official website.
"That's my plan for the immediate future and I have prepared myself for that."
Silva did, however, admit that his aging body is taking longer to recover after each game, adding: "When you're young, you think you're a superhero.
"I'd play one game a day so in terms of recovery it was a lot quicker, whereas now 24 hours seems like no time at all in which to recover.
"You've always got to be active and up to speed with the new recovery methods out there. I've got lots of things I do at home like physio work, and nowadays I've got a better diet than before. You need to fuel yourself well, not with the bad stuff."
Silva has won 33 trophies for club and country across his 20-year career, including the Champions League with Chelsea last season.
Oliver Thomas
