The admiration and respect Andrey Santos has for Thiago Silva is clear. But in tomorrow’s Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense, the Blues legend is purely another rival to overcome.
Thiago Silva enjoyed four seasons at Stamford Bridge during which he showcased his enduring quality. The centre-back lifted three trophies – including his personal holy grail, the Champions League – and won the hearts of Chelsea supporters.
He departed last summer and rejoined his first club, Fluminense. Now it is they who stand in the way of Enzo Maresca's side securing a place in the Club World Cup final.
The Blues secured a spot in the last four by overcoming Palmeiras, another Brazilian side. Andrey Santos was handed his first Chelsea start in that game and impressed in midfield.
Whether the 21-year-old retains his place against Fluminense remains to be seen, but he is looking forward to the match at MetLife Stadium and the reunion with Thiago Silva.
‘Thiago Silva was so important for me during my first season here,' the Blues midfielder explained ahead of our semi-final clash in New Jersey.
'He is so important for Chelsea and Chelsea fans, too. But tomorrow he is my rival, so we have to work hard against him.
‘It’s a big game tomorrow against a big team. We have to prepare well because the game is so important for us, a semi-final, so we have to work hard and make sure we are ready.’
Fluminense will not prove easy opposition for the Blues. The Brazilian club have yet to be beaten at the Club World Cup and have knocked out Inter Milan and Al-Hilal en route to the semi-finals.
It's why Andrey Santos says he and his Chelsea team-mates must improve once again tomorrow evening in order to secure a place in the tournament's showpiece game.
He said: ‘For sure, this tournament is so important for us. All the tournaments we come to win, but we know we have to improve as well against Fluminense. We will take it step by step.’
Tickets are available to see our Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense in New Jersey and can be purchased from FIFA here. You can also watch the game live anywhere in the world via DAZN by signing up for free here.