Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out a fairytale return for veteran defender Thiago Silva to the Brazil national team ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Despite the centre-back now being 41, the Italian tactician believes that quality and experience far outweigh any numbers found on the passport.
Age is just a number for Ancelotti
Thiago Silva has not featured for the Seleção since the quarter-final defeat against Croatia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, with the next global tournament fast approaching, Ancelotti has fueled speculation that the veteran could be set for one last dance on the international stage.
The former Real Madrid boss heaped praise on the defender, who joined Porto in January and has played nine times for the Portuguese giants. Talking to French outlet L’EquipeAncelotti insisted he does not discriminate against older players if they are still performing at the highest level. He used his current midfield maestro at the Bernabeu as a prime example of longevity in the modern game.
modric and maldini blueprint
Managing veterans who defy the aging process is nothing new for Ancelotti. Having trained some of the greatest names in football history, the Italian pointed to the icons he worked with at AC Milan and Real Madrid to justify the former Chelsea and PSG star’s potential return. He strongly believes that talent has no expiry date if the player maintains his physical condition.
The Brazil coach explained his philosophy clearly, saying: “I never look at the date of birth on the passport. All Brazilian players can aspire to be on the World Cup list. It doesn’t matter if he is 41 years old. If he deserves to go there, he will. Age is not a problem. Look at Paolo Maldini, who was almost 39 when he won the Champions League final, or Luka Modric, who is 40 today. Are from.”
A future on the touchline
In addition to his current abilities on the field, Ancelotti also touched on Thiago Silva’s intellectual approach to the game. As previously reported, the defender has started making plans for life after his playing career espn About your studies to get the coaching badge. His former Milan manager believes it is a transition that will be seamless given Silva’s tactical discipline and work ethic.
Ancelotti was quick to tip the 41-year-old towards success in the dugout when he finally decided to leave his boots. “Thiago will be a great coach, I have no doubt about that. He has experience, he has worked with some great coaches during his career and I’m not talking about myself,” he said with a smile. “And he works very hard… I’m very happy to know that I managed to inspire some of them…”
Last push for World Cup glory
As Brazil look to end their long wait for a sixth world title, the addition of an experienced player like Silva could provide the leadership and composure needed for knockout football. While the team has seen an influx of young talent recently, Ancelotti admitted that the emergence of new players only “increases doubts” when it comes to finalizing selections, leaving the door open for experience to play a role.
If Silva had got a place in it, he would have become one of the oldest players to participate in the World Cup. For now, the defender remains a viable option in Ancelotti’s eyes, proving that as long as performance levels remain high, the dream of representing the yellow and green of Brazil remains alive regardless of age.
