Thiago Silva has wasted no time in reintroducing himself to Fluminense supporters after his exit from Chelsea.
Towards the end of the 2023-24 campaign, it was revealed that the 39-year-old would be departing the Premier League side on a free transfer.
Although it was not announced at the time, widespread reports indicated that the centre-back would be taking on a second stint with Fluminense.
Silva has penned a two-year contract at a club who he represented at the start of his career, making 97 appearances before his transfer to Europe.
While the former Brazil international is used to competing for titles, he finds himself with a contrasting scenario ahead of him for the foreseeable future.
Fluminense may have won last season's Copa Libertadores but they have endured an abysmal start to the 2024 Brasileiro campaign.
Prior to Silva making his second debut for the Tricolor, just eight points had been accumulated from their opening 16 matches in the top flight.
Their solitary success came all the way back on matchday three, edging out Vasco Da Gama by a 2-1 scoreline, but a 13-match winless streak has now been halted with Silva in the team.
On Monday night, Silva played the full 90 minutes as Fernando Diniz's side recorded a 1-0 triumph away at Cuiaba, with Kaua Elias scoring the only goal in the 73rd minute.
How did Silva react?
Há 16 anos que eu não experimentava a sensação tão bonita que é vestir essa camisa em campo. Sem dúvida, esse é um momento que jamais esquecerei e agradeço a Deus por estar ao meu lado e por ter nos ajudado a conseguir a vitória essa noite. Também, quero agradecer a minha família... pic.twitter.com/ED2jloxRhc
— Thiago Silva (@tsilva3) July 22, 2024
Thiago Silva made his debut for Fluminense last night. pic.twitter.com/1LZJ5zcZ3A
— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) July 22, 2024
Before Silva's appearance in a back four alongside another veteran in Thiago Santos, Fluminense had not kept a single clean sheet in the Brasileiro all season.
The next challenge for Silva is being available on a consistent basis over a hectic schedule, the next domestic fixture coming at home to second-placed Palmeiras on Wednesday night.
As a result of the triumph over Cuiaba, who sit just above the relegation zone, Fluminense are now within six points of safety.
Darren Plant
