Ex-Chelsea star Thiago Silva walks entire length of pitch on his knees after Fluminense narrowly avoid relegation

FLUMINENSE defender Thiago Silva walked the length of the pitch on his knees after the club narrowly avoided relegation.

The Rio-based side clinched a 1-0 win over high-flying Palmeiras on the final day of the Brazilian Serie A campaign.

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Thiago Silva walked the entire length of the pitch on his knees after Fluminense survived relegation[/caption]

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He was keen to show his gratitude at full-time[/caption]

A first-half strike from Colombian winger Kevin Serna was enough to earn the club a much-needed three points, keeping them above the relegation zone.

A defeat would have seen Fluminense demoted to Serie B – the second division of Brazilian football.

But they managed to survive the drop by finishing 13th in the table.

Following the full-time celebrations, Silva could be seen walking the length of the pitch on his knees.

The action is a South American ritual which is used to pay thanks to God for granting a wish.

Four years ago, Silva promised that he would one day return to his boyhood club.

The former Brazil international was keen to display his gratitude for his team’s survival after the final whistle on Sunday.

A video of Silva’s act was shared on social media by Fluminense following the match.

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After crawling the length of the pitch, the ex-Chelsea star put his head to the floor before standing up and waving at the few remaining fans in the stadium.

Raphinha did the same action after Leeds United survived relegation from the Premier League in May 2022.

Silva joined Fluminense as a free agent in May – just days after leaving Stamford Bridge.

In an emotional statement to announce his Chelsea departure, the 40-year-old said: “I came here with the intention of only staying for a year and it ended up being four years. Not just for me but for my family, too.

“My sons play for Chelsea so it’s a source of great pride to be a part of the Chelsea family – literally because my sons are here. I hope they can continue their careers here at this victorious club that many players wish to be part of.

“In everything I did here over the four years, I always gave my all. But, unfortunately, everything has a start, a middle and an end. That doesn’t mean that this is a definitive end.

“I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here.”