Football
Jonathan Johnson, PSG correspondent 8y

Thiago Silva: Hard to take Paris Saint-Germain's decision on Olympics

Thiago Silva says Paris Saint-Germain's decision to prevent him from taking part in the Olympic Games this summer was "not easy to digest" as he prepares to lead the club into this season's Champions League.

Silva, 31, is expected to make his first competitive appearance of the season for PSG against Arsenal on Tuesday after recovering from a hip injury suffered during the French club's International Champions Cup campaign in preseason.

The defender was wanted by Brazil under-23 coach Rogerio Micale to be one of the host nation's three overage players at the Olympics, but PSG, who had already granted Marquinhos permission after some initial reluctance, refused to release him.

Silva admitted that the Ligue 1 club were in a difficult situation because of their numerous Brazilian defenders, but he is still struggling to comes to terms with missing out on the tournament, which the Selecao won on home turf.

"Not yet," he replied, when asked by Le Parisien if he had digested PSG's decision. "It was a last-minute decision. I understand the club's situation because it was difficult to allow two central defenders, Marquinhos and I, to go. I understand that but it is still not easy to digest."

Despite PSG's decision to deprive him of participating in the Olympics, Silva is still focused on his role as club captain.

Although Unai Emery is now coach, Silva has retained the skipper's armband at Parc des Princes, and he says little has changed on that front since Laurent Blanc's time in charge.

"No," Silva answered when quizzed on whether his role as captain has evolved after Emery's appointment. "We need to continue with the same mentality and I must remain the same person, quiet. When I am with the coach, we speak normally, like with Blanc. It is good that this role remains the same."

Despite missing out on the Olympics this summer, Silva still hopes to return to Brazil's national team at some point soon.

The defender believes there is more chance of an international comeback given that Tite has now taken charge, having fallen down the pecking order under his predecessor Dunga.

"I have greater hope now," he said. "I have always wanted to return a stronger player. I need to continue to demonstrate my qualities in Paris.

"If I am at the same level I was at last season, I will return to the team. My first objective is to return to international duty. After that, starter or not, that is another story. Of course I will do everything to play, that would be wonderful."

^ Back to Top ^