Thiago Silva eyes final trophy, praises bond with Fluminense fans | OneFootball

Hero of the qualification, scorer of the goal that set Maracanã ablaze and sealed the spot in the Copa do Brasil semifinals. Thiago Silva’s performance in the 2-0 victory over Bahia would already be enough to make him the protagonist of the night. However, in the interview given as he left the pitch, the captain delivered something even deeper: a window into his tricolor soul, revealing the motivations, memories, and ghosts that drive him in this final stretch of his career.

Asked about the feeling of experiencing such a decisive moment, the “Monster” did not hesitate to describe the night as a “special moment” in his life. Immediately, his memory transported him to another victorious journey wearing the tricolor armor. “In 2007, I was fortunate to win my first title, and in that competition, we also eliminated Bahia,” he recalled, drawing a parallel that fills the fans with hope.

However, the most impactful statement came next. With disarming sincerity, Thiago Silva placed the weight of a “last dance” on the current campaign. “I hope we can finish the year well, because I know that, almost 100% sure, if I win this title, it will be the last of my career. So, it would be special to win with my boyhood club,” confessed the defender.

The scar of 2008 as fuel

If the memory of 2007 inspires, another, much more painful one, serves as daily fuel. Speaking about the magnificent celebration by the fans, Thiago Silva opened a wound that, for many, still hasn’t fully healed: the 2008 Libertadores final. He took on a responsibility that transcends the field, showing just how deeply that defeat marked him.

“From the Libertadores that we lost here in 2008… I failed, we failed in that situation,” he said, in a confessional tone. “And seeing people crying, leaving in tears after that defeat, a title so longed for by the club… Whenever there’s a knockout like this, that moment crosses my mind.”

This image of fans in tears became the driving force of his second stint at the club. The defender revealed a personal goal that goes beyond victories. “That’s a bit of my dilemma: to try to do our job in the best way possible, give everything, so that in the end they can go home happy. To try to make them happy as many times as possible.”

On this Wednesday night, the mission was accomplished with flying colors. And for him, the script was even more rewarding. “Today, for sure, it was more special because I scored the qualification goal. I’m sure everyone is going home happier,” concluded the captain, summarizing a night when the idol played not only for the team, but for every tricolor who carries the same joys and the same pains as he does.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.