Thiago Silva has won silverware everywhere he has played in football. From top-flight domestic titles in both Italy and France, to cup triumph in his native Brazil. Yet one trophy he had come so close to winning but never quite got his hands on is the Champions League.
And so part of Episode two of Porto Uncovered hones in on Thiago’s emotional rollercoaster of a night, after winning the coveted trophy he has long dreamt of winning despite being substituted early on due to an unfortunate groin injury.
The Brazilian had reached the final the year before alongside his head coach Thomas Tuchel with Paris Saint-Germain but fell at the final hurdle, so helping his team try and win the trophy was always a priority, whether he was on the pitch or not.
The 37-year-old had started the three previous outings before the final, including both semi-final ties against Real Madrid, in which he was instrumental in shutting out Los Blancos at Stamford Bridge.
‘My life flashed before my eyes. It was a difficult feeling,’ admits Thiago Silva.
‘Watching the game from the bench is certainly a different type of feeling.’
Episode two of Porto Uncovered follows the Brazilian closely, from opening up on his emotional night, to showing unseen footage of the centre-back encouraging and helping his teammates off the pitch.
Nights like those on May 29 earlier this year show just how strong of a leader Thiago is, not least because he chose to override his own personal disappointment to help his fellow defenders keep City at bay. The footage in the documentary showcases just how tightly bonded this Blues squad is, and the range of characters that makes Thomas Tuchel’s men so special.
The first episode of Porto Uncovered will be available on The 5th Stand app and the official Chelsea website from Tuesday. Using exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes content, it brings you the real story of our 2021 Champions League triumph, told through the eyes of the players, staff and supporters who were at the heart of that famous victory.
Episode One follows our gruelling route to the final and the challenges we overcame to reach Porto. Episode Two, which comes out on Thursday, picks up the tale at the Estadio do Dragao by looking at the preparations for the final, the match itself and the incredible celebrations on the pitch, in the dressing room and in the stands.