That's a future move to Stoke off the table, then
Thiago Silva says that playing in the Premier League has been giving him a headache.
The Brazilian centre-half signed for Chelsea in the summer after leaving PSG, but says the nature of English football has left him with a headache after his most recent games.
As reported by The Athletic, Silva said: "After my last two games, I've had a terrible headache because there are non-stop aerial duels and a very high pace of play."
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The Premier League is widely regarded as being more physically-demanding and intense than Ligue Un and Serie A, where Thiago Silva previously plied his trade.
Historically, British football has also been associated with a high number of long-balls and aerial duels.
At first, Silva looked like he was struggling to adapt to the Premier League, making some costly errors in his first few games. He gifted a goal to West Brom in a 3-3 draw at the Hawthorns.
However, the former Milan and PSG captain has impressed since - which has corresponded with Chelsea's fine run of form.
Frank Lampard's side have won their last four games in all competitions. Sheffield United and Burnley were dispatched in the Premier League, while Rennes and Krasnodar were defeated in the Champions League.
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Thiago Silva beats Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie to the ball. (Photo: Getty)[/caption]
Thiago Silva's headaches have probably been eased by the presence of former Rennes keeper Edouard Mendy in the Chelsea goal.
After ousting the beleaguered Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mendy went on to keep five consecutive clean sheets - the first time a Chelsea goalkeeper has done so in a decade.
Despite his advancing years, Silva has targeted a spot in Brazil's 2022 World Cup squad.
He said: "I'm happy to be coming to the Premier League with good numbers and convincing performances and continuing in the Brazilian team, which is my goal. My performances and performances on the field will make me stay here.
"But what matters is the present, to dedicate myself to the maximum in the qualifiers in order to qualify for the World Cup and then we see what happens."
