Thiago Silva has given Paris St Germain a major boost by admitting that he wants to extend his contract with the French club amidst rumours that he is being targeted by other clubs.

The Brazilian international is regarded as one of the best defenders in the world. He was a target for Barcelona in the previous summers, but PSG managed to hold onto him. Silva was one of the most expensive defenders before the record was broken by David Luiz’ £ 50 million move from Chelsea in the summer. It has been rumoured that the arrival of Luiz may force PSG into selling Silva, who is entering into the 30s.

Even though he has a contract until 2018, a new deal is unlikely to increase his wages and also keep away the competition. Silva has admitted that he has thought about leaving PSG on a few occasions. More importantly, the exit of director Leonardo brought him close to the conclusion that he could not stay at the club anymore. The situation appears to have distinctly changed in the last few months. Silva has formed a good partnership with Luiz at the back. Even though PSG have not been able to get consistency in the league, they have been doing well in the European competitions.

“I hope to extend my contract. We will speak with the club and with Nasser [Al-Khelaifi] to extend my contract. When [former PSG director of football] Leonardo left [in 2013], I thought about leaving. I told him. ‘No, we have a project going. You have to stay there. You are my cornerstone.’ So I said, ‘Okay, I stay because I am very proud to be here.' But Leonardo told me to stay. Nasser also. Today, I am happy. It’s really different from last year. I did not speak French. Nobody could understand me. Today we communicate better,” said Silva.