Thiago Silva poses with Chelsea staff and watches a training session on his return to Cobham - as the Brazilian thanks Blues fans for their 'continuous affection'

Thiago Silva was given a hero's welcome as he returned to Chelsea's Cobham training base this week.

The Brazilian defender spent four years at Stamford Bridge before departing the club at the end of last season to return to his boyhood side Fluminense.

However, despite his departure Silva has retained strong links with the Blues, with both his sons Isago and Iago playing for the club's academy.

On Tuesday the Champions League winner shared a series of pictures of himself with staff members on his social media.

'It's always a pleasure to return to this special place,' he wrote on X. 'Thank you for your continuous affection. The feeling is mutual. See you soon!'

Thiago Silva was pictured attending a training session on his return to Chelsea on Tuesday

The former captain posed for photos with members of the club's staff outside Cobham

The 39-year-old thanked supporters for their 'continuous affection' in a post on social media

Silva was also snapped watching on as Enzo Maresca put his players who are not on international duty through their paces ahead of their clash with Bournemouth on Saturday.

Blues fans online shared their delight at seeing the 39-year-old return to the club's base.

One wrote: 'Welcome back! Pls, we want u to stay and nurture our young centre backs. Is that too much to ask?'

Another added: 'Ohhhh Silva I miss you in our defence. You are always welcome.'

A third fan agreed: 'Welcome back home - ready for your return whenever you want to come back.'

After enjoying nearly a decade of domestic dominance with PSG, Silva arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2020 with the then-36-year-old signing on an initial one-year deal.

The Brazilian enjoyed immediate success in west London, winning both the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup and being named captain.

Silva bid an emotional farewell to Chelsea as his contract expired at the end of last season

Blues fans shared their delight in seeing the Brazilian back at the club's training base

Silva was one of the few shining lights of the Blues' faltering 2022-23 campaign, being named player of the year as they slumped to 12th in the Premier League under a succession of managers.

In his final season in England Silva remained a regular fixture under then-boss Mauricio Pochettino, making 38 appearances in all competitions before bidding an emotional farewell to the club.