THIAGO SILVA insists he came to Chelsea to win, not just to dine out in London.
The Brazilian centre-back had a nightmare start to his Blues career with a shaky display against West Brom.
Thiago Silva says he joined Chelsea to win, not just to be a tourist in LondonCredit: Instagram @thiagosilva
Silva had a nightmare Blues debut and was at fault for one of the Baggies’ goalsCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
Silva, 36, was at fault for Callum Robinson’s second goal as the Baggies went 3-0 up in the first half on his debut.
But the former Paris-Saint Germain star has leaped to his own defence claiming he is not just here as a tourist.
Speaking before Tuesday’s Carabao Cup penalty shootout loss to Tottenham, he told Chelsea’s official programme: “I’m not here just to go through the motions, or just for the experience, I’m here to win.
“I want everyone to be very clear about that: I’m going to give my all to make sure that Chelsea win.
“I didn’t come here to dine out in London or visit the tourist sites. I came to play football, to work, and that’s what I’m preparing for.
“I’m certain, with the group of players we’ve got and a coach who’s a natural leader, that we’ll be in the fight for every piece of silverware going this year.”
Despite the rocky start, Silva is calm about the future and added: “I’m totally relaxed about the contract and whether Chelsea will want to renew it or not, I don’t know.
“If I haven’t met expectations or contributed then we’ll sit down and talk about that. But I’m not worried at all.
“I will do my best possible and really contribute to this team, this new project. I’ve accepted this new challenge, it’s going to be really good for me.
“Everyone knows that my ambition is to play in the World Cup in two years’ time when I’ll be 38. That’s a great responsibility.”
Chelsea eventually drew 3-3 at the Hawthorns and despite his new man’s iffy start, Frank Lampard still has faith in Silva and is optimistic about the effect he will have on the squad.
He said: “We have seen that leadership already and people are going to want to talk about the second goal and that’s fair play and that’s the nature of being the top player that he has been all his career.
“But at the same time, we saw how he is, his leadership and his qualities and we are going to see more of that.”
Silva’s nightmare was brought to an end when he was replaced in the 73rd minute.
Lampard also said Silva’s inability to speak English will not hold him back.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
