Thiago Silva claims he feels proud for being an inspiration to Chelsea players who have variously expressed their joy to learn from the Brazilian.

The veteran defender joined Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent in the summer.

The Blues currently have the second-best defensive record in the league, aided by a blossoming partnership between the Brazilian and Kurt Zouma at centre-back, though it is not just the Frenchman learning from the new arrival.

“I feel proud because they’re young players who see you as an inspiration and want to follow in your footsteps,” he added.

“This happened at PSG with Thilo [Kehrer], [Pascal] Kimpembe and Marquinhos. It’s happening here with Zouma and I think it’s the case for others as well.

“It means I have more responsibility and I have to give my all so that they keep seeing me as an inspiration. So it’s a source of pride but also a big responsibility.”