Thiago Silva has explained how his faith and advice from loved ones helped him overcome a life-threatening illness and realise his dreams as a professional footballer in an inspiring letter to his younger self.
When the Chelsea and Brazil centre-back moved to Dynamo Moscow in Russia in 2005, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis during pre-season.
Thiago Silva admitted that he was unsure if he'd be able to play football again, but as he explains in the video, he was able to push through due to the help of those around him.
"If I could give you one piece of advice today, do not let them touch your lung or do the operation. Because automatically by having that surgery, you will no longer be able to play football at the highest level.
"If that is your dream, don't let them touch you.
"I would only say one thing: believe in God, have faith in him that everything will work out. I believe... you'll get through it like you always do.
"Thiago, listen to the advice that your manager, your mother, your girlfriend will give you. Listen to them and do what they're telling you, because they want the best for you.
"Once you get past this difficult period, you'll be victorious. Not only for fulfilling your dream of playing football, but also for winning almost all the titles that you longed for and dreamed of.
"Thiago, the advice I can give you is that you are a dreamer, you are a guy who fights for what you want. As a man that chases his goals, never change that! Keep it up and you will have a victorious career."
Glittering career
Thiago Silva has won domestic trophies during his time with Fluminense in his native Brazil, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, where he won seven Ligue 1 titles.
Once he made the switch to London and joined the Blues, Thiago Silva added the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup to his trophy collection. More recently, the 39-year-old became the fourth-oldest player to score in the Premier League, after finding the net in the 4-4 draw against Manchester City.
He has also won the Copa America and FIFA Confederations Cup with Brazil.