Chelsea centre-back Thiago Silva says that he feels glad to have silenced his previous critics by achieving Champions League glory.

Despite going off in the first half of Saturday’s showpiece final against Manchester City, the Brazilian has earned his plaudits for helping the Blues progress. Indeed, the 36-year-old has proved a fantastic signing, shoring up Chelsea’s defence after leaving Paris Saint-Germain last summer

However, he left the French capital having lost in the Champions League final last season.

PSG lost to Bayern Munich and Silva reflected on his victory by looking back on the blame he received that day.

“It’s incredible. It’s the most important moment of my career. It’s unforgettable,” Silva told RMC Sport. “I am really very happy. To have this cup is huge. My injury? A lot of things have happened in my head.

“Getting out of the game very early was difficult for me. But at this level, we cannot be at 70 per cent. But I’m happy because the team stayed calm and defended well.

“We suffered, but we did it well. In the end, we are rewarded for everything we have done. It’s special for me, especially considering the pressure we had in Paris to win it.

“Whenever Paris was eliminated, people wanted to find a culprit and it was me all the time. It’s too bad.

“I hope Paris will win it in the future, because I left a lot of friends there. And I will always stay red and blue.”

Silva pays tribute to Lampard

Silva also paid tribute to Frank Lampard, who led Chelsea through the group stages before being replaced by Thomas Tuchel.

“It was special, it was my first year here,” the defender added.

“Tuchel changed everything, the team mentality. But it’s also important to talk about Lampard.

“Without him, it was difficult for me to win here, thanks to him for letting me sign here.”