Pulse News Agency International by AFP

The veteran Brazil defender joined the Premier League club on a free transfer last month after eight years at Paris Saint-Germain and said he was raring to go.

But he told reporters on his 36th birthday that he often thinks about the illness he suffered in 2005, when he was at Dynamo Moscow.

"It was one of the worst experiences in my life because you have a dream as a child to be playing as a professional footballer," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"And when I got TB it seemed the dream would be over but thank God I had the strength to overcome it and get well."

Silva, expected to make his bow for Frank Lampard's team against Barnsley in the League Cup on Wednesday, said talking about the period brought back painful memories.

"I remember on my last day in the hospital the doctor told me that I hadn't been cured, that I needed an operation on my lungs and that my football career would be over," he said.

"But thank God, thanks to the qualified people and the specialists, little by little I got better and little by little with dedication I managed to return to playing football.

"It's difficult. Definitely it's something that not many people have gone through in their lives and a lot of people didn't recover from a similar illness so I think about it a lot, these moments and what I've been through and I had the strength to overcome it."

Silva was asked whether it was a risk to join Chelsea on a one-year deal after the club allowed fellow Brazil veteran Willian to leave, but he said he was relaxed.

"I think when you get to a certain age, the tendency is you sign this type of contract," he said at his first news conference since his transfer.

"I'm totally relaxed about the contract," he added. "Whether Chelsea will want to renew it or not I don't know."

Silva restated his ambition to play at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, saying he was proud to come to play in the Premier League at the age of 36.

The central defender was asked whether the coronavirus crisis had changed his perspective on the rest of his career.

He said Covid-19 itself did not change things for him during a "specific and unique moment around the world".

But he added: "I'd like to send a message to the young people to tell them to really make the most of their lives -- if someone is playing football, to truly dedicate themselves to football.

"Some people have football as a hobby but it is also a profession, a vocation, a job and life is short. It goes by quickly.

"In 2005, my life could have been over but thank God I overcame that illness and today I can now say I am victorious both professionally and personally and it's a wonderful experience to now be 36 and a player in the Premier League and putting on the Chelsea shirt."

Thiago Silva is preparing to make his debut for Chelsea

As he prepares to make his debut for Chelsea, Thiago Silva has spoken of how his frightening battle with tuberculosis early in his career is never far from his thoughts.

Thiago Silva recalls TB fright ahead of Chelsea debut

Tunde Young

The 2021/22 Premier League season has come to an end <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/cristiano-ronaldo-and-other-top-performing-new-signings-of-the-just-concluded-premier/0l7mh2v">which means we can now properly review after 38 games, this time focusing on the arrivals.</a>

All 20 teams brought in at least one new player in the summer and winter transfer windows and quite a number of the newcomers failed to live up to expectations.

Perhaps the weight of expectations proved too heavy or they just failed to adapt to their new surroundings, all that matters is that it didn’t work out this season.

So without further ado, here are the five biggest transfer flops of the 2021/22 Premier League season, factoring in transfer fees and the reputation of the players involved.

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<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/cristiano-ronaldo-and-other-top-performing-new-signings-of-the-just-concluded-premier/0l7mh2v">Top 5 successful transfers of the just concluded Premier League season</a>

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Saul Niguez arrived at Chelsea on loan from Atletico Madrid in the summer with a big reputation and the Blues thought they had a steal after beating Manchester United to his signature.

Saul Niguez has been a big disappointment for Chelsea

The Spanish international proved them wrong immediately with a horrific debut performance against Aston Villa which saw him substituted at halftime.

It never got better for Saul who only managed 10 Premier League appearances all season and started only five games without scoring or assisting a single goal, the only reason he is not higher up this list is that he was a loan signing.

It is almost certain that the option to buy included in his loan deal will remain untriggered by Chelsea and Saul will return to Atletico Madrid with his tails firmly tucked between his legs.

Emiliano Buendia has had a quiet season, which is not alarming until the realisation hits that Aston Villa paid €38.4 million for his services last summer.

Emi Buendia is yet to spark into life at Aston Villa

The Argentine attacking midfielder has only managed four goals and six assists in 35 Premier League games since joining from Norwich.

The 25-year old was brought in as a replacement for the departed Jack Grealish but Aston Villa have had to sign a replacement for the replacement with the January loan addition of Phillippe Coutinho who returned five goals and four assists in 16 fewer games than Buendia.

Any football fan could have probably guessed the top three, all that remains is to fit them in the right order which is why Jadon Sancho comes in third.

Jadon Sancho has fallen well short of the expectations at Manchester United so far

Although he was just as disappointing as the other two you’re thinking of, he is third because he cost less. Manchester United’s €80 million investment is yet to yield dividends, almost a full year after.

Sancho was expected to light up the Premier League with his electric displays at Borussia Dortmund but he didn’t do anything of the sort in his debut season.

The 22-year old only managed three league goals in 29 games and looked a shadow of his usual self for the majority of the season.

After failing to live up to his big-money transfer at Manchester United, Romelu Lukaku got a chance to redeem himself, making a triumphant return to the Premier League last summer.

Lukaku has failed to make the most of his limited opportunities in Chelsea's starting XI  this season

The big Belgian had spent two glorious years at Inter Milan and looked set to be the main man for Chelsea, the club he played for as a teenager, it all looked destined to happen.

But his second spell at Stamford Bridge has so far gone even worse than the first as Lukaku has disappointed both on and off the pitch.

The €100 million man managed eight goals in 26 appearances and actually made his team look worse when he played.

Three goals and three assists in 26 games is a bad stat line bad for any Manchester City attacker, let alone one they paid €105 million for.

Jack Grealish has scored just three goals for Manchester City this season

The oil-rich Cityzens paid the premium for Grealish, making him the most expensive player in Premier League history.

Jack of all trades proved to really be a master of none as it turns out you require more than just an abnormally thick calf and a few sharp turns to succeed at Manchester City.

Romelu Lukaku and Jack Grealish headline the list of top transfer flops

Ranking the top five transfer flops of the 2021/22 Premier League season.

Top 5 transfer flops of the 2021/22 Premier League season

Arsenal lost 2-0 to Newcastle on matchday 37 of the Premier League which severely puts their top-four aspirations in doubt.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Advantage Tottenham in the race for fourth place! ⚪🔥 A Ben White own goal and Bruno Guimaraes finish earn a big moment to celebrate for the Magpies. <a href="https://t.co/EnAr9YkiML">pic.twitter.com/EnAr9YkiML</a>&mdash; Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) <a href="https://twitter.com/PulseSportsNG/status/1526306562284961794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

As it stands, the Gunners sit fifth on the log two points behind their North London rivals Tottenham with just one game to go.

To make matters worse, Tottenham will play against already relegated Norwich while Arsenal host Everton on the final day.

Admittedly it looks bleak that Arsenal will finish in the top four this season but fear not Le Goon, all hope is not lost, your darling Gunners can still qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League under these conditions.

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<h3>Arsenal win and Tottenham lose&nbsp;</h3>

The first and most likely scenario which will enable Arsenal to finish fourth at the end of the season is for the Gunners to win their home game and then hope for Tottenham to lose their away game simultaneously… easy right?

Arsenal has to beat Everton at home to stand a chance of finishing fourth

<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/alex-iwobi-and-joelinton-could-deny-arsenal-a-champions-league-spot/79ce7ys">The problem here is that Arsenal will play at home to Everton which is not the toughest fixture in the world on paper but the visitors also need a result.</a>

Everton are currently two points above the relegation places and although they still have one game to play before visiting the Emirates, that game may determine their fate this season.

Tottenham on the other hand are visiting Carrow Road to take on Norwich who are already relegated as the worst team in the league this season.

But then again…it is Tottenham, their ability to choke and cave in under pressure is second to none so there is still a tinny tiny sliver of hope for Arsenal come Sunday the 22nd of May when the Premier League season wraps up for good.

Tottenham recorded a hard-fought win 1-0 win over Burnley in the Premier league on Sunday

<h3>Tottenham draws and Arsenal wins… by 16 goals</h3>

In whatever scenario, Arsenal has to win for this to work out in their favour but a draw between Tottenham and Norwich would require an unusual goal margin for the Gunners to finish fourth.

If Tottenham manages to choke their way to a draw against Norwich, Arsenal would need to beat Everton by at least 16 clear goals to creep into fourth.

That is because Tottenham currently have a better goal difference, with +24 compared to Arsenal’s +9, a wide difference of 15 goals.

Arsenal have it all to do in their remaining matches if they are to secure Champions League football next season

In the event of a draw, Tottenham’s goal difference would stay the same which means Arsenal’s would have to improve significantly with just one game left.

Arteta’s men would have to win by an American Football scoreline against Everton, unfortunately that is the wrong type of football.&nbsp;

Arsenal can still beat Tottenham to a Champions League spot next season

Exploring the possible scenarios in which Arsenal can still finish in the Premier League top four this season.

How Arsenal can still qualify for the Champions League

Niyi Iyanda

Sitting dangerously close to the relegation spots heading into the match, Lampard's side could not afford to drop points which they did, but a favourable result elsewhere has seen them jump two points clear of the relegation places, with a game in hand.

Leeds United slumped to their 18th loss of the season at the hands of a rampant Chelsea side. As early as the fourth minute, the match looked to be taking a route all too familiar to Leeds fans, when Mason Mount opened the scoring with a powerful shot which flew past Illan Meslier.

Mason Mount put Chelsea in front against Leeds United

Chelsea added two more goals in the second half to stroll to <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/sports-gist/reactions-to-chelsea-3-0-leeds-united-win/l3kzh92">a comfortable 3-0 victory</a>, but Lampard singled out Mount for praise after the match.

"Brilliant for him, Chelsea did us a favour by getting that result, but we have to do our thing to make sure that we get past this side of the line,

"I will send him a message of thanks later. Mason is a fantastic player, and I am happy that he is getting those goals because he is such a high-quality player, and it reflects the kind of player he is." &nbsp;Lampard said to Bein Sports after the game.

Lampard has always rated the Chelsea academy product highly, giving him his big break on loan at Derby County in 2019, a move which would see the youngster explode onto the scene with 11 goals and six assists in the Championship.&nbsp;

Mount got his big break in England under Lampard at Championship side Derby County

When Lampard returned to Stamford Bridge, he again gave the young Englishman a key role in the side, which he took with both hands delivering 14 goal contributions in his first season under the Chelsea legend.&nbsp;

Finally <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/super-eagles/iwobis-everton-beat-leicester-city-to-boost-survival-hopes/ge0t80x">out of the relegation scrap</a>, Lampard could finally reflect on the journey so far, and he took the time to thank Everton fans for their unwavering support as the Merseyside club was faced with a real threat of relegation.

Everton have experienced an upturn in form under Lampard

"The national media look at us and think we are a big story if we go down. We are a huge club with a huge history, and we have spent so much but Evertonians come here every week, and they know the size of the challenge on our hands, and we appreciate the support on all fronts because they push us to another level," Lampard said.

Speaking on his side's chances of survival, Lampard remains optimistic but stated that his forwards need to contribute more to the team.

Brazilian star Richarlison has 12 goal contributions this season

"We are at Goodison and we are playing against good teams, but we just need to see ourselves with the same attitude and application. From tonight, I think we need more zip from the boys up top.

"They have the talent, and they can produce and to win games, you need those guys to produce," Lampard said.

Everton continue their quest for survival when they host Brentford in their next match at Goodison Park on May 15.

Penalty pain - Everton manager Frank Lampard

Everton manager Frank Lampard has praised his former prodigy Mason Mount for his part in Chelsea's dominating win over Leeds on Wednesday night.

Frank Lampard praises Chelsea star who did Everton a huge favour

Marcos Alonso was reportedly involved in a bust-up with Thomas Tuchel at half-time in <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/sports-gist/reactions-as-werner-blamed-as-lukaku-scores-in-chelsea-2-2-wolves-draw/v148311">Chelsea’s 2-2 draw at home to Wolves on Saturday.</a>

The Chelsea boss all but confirmed the reports with his post-game interview comments "Marcos was not injured, it was just a decision we made."&nbsp;

If all that is being reported is true, then it is safe to assume that the Spanish left-back may have just played his last game in Chelsea blue.

Even if Alonso does play in any of Chelsea’s remaining three league games this season and the FA Cup final against Liverpool, it is more than likely that he will leave Chelsea this summer.

Chelsea's Spanish defender Marcos Alonso is most likely on his way out of the club

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Alonso joined Chelsea all the way back in 2016 and has quite frankly lasted longer at the club than many expected so it’s no surprise that he is on his way out now.

With one year still left on his current Chelsea contract, it remains unlikely that Alonso will see out his promised time and leave as a free agent, he will most likely be sold.

Now 31 years old, Chelsea will most likely struggle to recoup the €23 million they spent on him but with Alonso currently valued at €9 million by Transfermrket.

Marcos Alonso would be a great addition for Barcelona

Barcelona have been strongly linked with a move for Alonso which makes sense because the club needs competition for Jordi Alba.

And now with the heated argument which has all but guaranteed Alonso’s exit, whoever signs him could get a top left-back/ left wing-back for less than the market value.

Barcelona have already reportedly snapped up one Chelsea defender in Andreas Christensen and have been strongly linked to Cesar Azpilicueta as well.

Signing Alonso from Chelsea would be an unprecedented hat-trick of ex-Chelsea players for the Catalan club.

Marcos Alonso and Thomas Tuchel were involved in a bust-up which could result in the Spaniard leaving Chelsea

Marcos Alonso could be on his way out of Chelsea after getting into a fight with Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel

What next for Marcos Alonso after reportedly fighting with Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel?

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Manchester City’s Brazilian striker, Gabriel Jesus as the Gunners continue their search for a new centre forward.

The 25-year old scored four goals and assisted another in <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/super-eagles/emmanuel-dennis-grabs-an-assist-as-gabriel-jesus-leads-manchester-citys-5-1/yccsm1z">Manchester City’s 5-1 thrashing of Watford in the Premier League </a>which has further strengthened the speculation.

Gabriel Jesus scored four goals for Manchester City against Norwich

Despite his vintage display against Watford, Jesus has failed to hit the expected heights at Manchester City since joining four years ago.

Though it is understandable why Arsenal might be interested in snapping up Jesus, there might be another Manchester-based striker who is a better transfer target.

The older, more experienced and definitely more established Edinson Cavani will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season and that should interest Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal is a predominantly young team which means they could do with some experience and 35-year old Cavani certainly fits the bill.

With Cavani’s wealth of experience comes ability as well, he is not just some older finished guy looking for one last paycheck, the Uruguayan striker will easily be Arsenal’s best player if signed.

There are not many better strikers in the World than Edinson Cavani

Cavani scored 17 goals in his first season as a Manchester United player and has been missing in action for injury and personal reasons this season.

For comparison, Gabriel Jesus scored 14 goals last season having played more games for a better team, age aside, it is clear who the better striker is here.

Gabriel Jesus’ best season so far was in 2019/20 when he scored 23 goals in 53 games across all competitions for Manchester City.

Gabriel Jesus has not been a reliable striker for Manchester City

Choosing to sign Cavani would be good financially for Arsenal because it would free up funds for the club to target other players. Whereas, signing Gabriel Jesus would prove expensive despite the Brazilian only having one year left on his contract.

Adding a player of Cavani’s class to the squad could also be invaluable for Arteta especially if his team qualifies for the UEFA Champions League this season.

Cavani leading the line on a Champions League night gives the Gunners more advantage than Gabriel Jesus who is far more inexperienced on the big stage and knows little to nothing about being the best player at a big club.

Edinson Cavani has played more than 70 Champions League games for Napoli, PSG and Manchester United combined

It is understandable that Gabriel Jesus is the popular choice here, he is the young of the two and is a shiny object compared to the declining Cavani.

But the aforementioned reasons should be enough to sway the tide from Jesus in favour of the Red Devil.

Arsenal must choose between Gabriel Jesus and Red Devil Edinson Cavani

Why Arsenal should ignore Gabriel Jesus and target Red Devils’ striker Cavani instead.

Jesus v ‘devil’ - Why Man United striker Cavani is a better transfer target for Arsenal than Gabriel Jesus

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