KEY POINTS

  • Thiago Silva responds to Neymar's most recent comments about mental health
  • Silva extends his hand to help his close friend from the Brazilian national team
  • Silva has also recounted the same struggles that Neymar is currently dealing with

Thiago Silva of Chelsea has had his share of struggles, both physically and mentally.

Reacting to the recent retirement comments of close friend Neymar, the 37-year-old assured his Brazilian national team comrade that he will always have his back.

Silva’s comments come after Neymar said to DAZN that World Cup 2022 could very well be his last.

While that is understandable, the reason he gave was even more disturbing considering a person of his stature.

"I see it as my last because I don't know if I have the strength of mind to deal with football anymore,” Neymar stated. "So I'll do everything to turn up well, do everything to win with my country, to realize my greatest dream since I was little. And I hope I can do it."

Upon hearing that, Silva assured Neymar that he is just around and will try to give him the proper backing in order for his compatriot to regain his love for the game.

"If you need someone strong to be by your side, [I] know that I will always be there. The Silva family loves you," his Instagram post read.

The Brazilian center-back can relate to what Neymar is going through. He shared how he also went through such moments as well as the things that were said.

"I was called a crybaby, weak, very weak, mentally. These are things that hurt you and you know that you are not what you have been called,” Silva shared. "I hope he (Neymar) doesn't lose his joy, continues to be happy the way he always is. He is a very special kid and, when he's happy, doing what he loves, he delivers."

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar and Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender Thiago Silva
Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar and Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender Thiago Silva Getty Images | FRANCK FIFE/AFP