Quotes from Thiago Silva

Winning the World Cup is what we have to do with Brazil. Every day that is what is in my head.

There is not a day I wake up and do not think of the World Cup.

I think the main thing is to give your best regardless of whether you're the captain or not.

Zlatan is a great guy; I speak with him very regularly. I have a lot of respect and admiration for him.

Centre-backs usually get criticised for clearing the ball long, but it's easier doing this than risking a pass. If you lose the ball at the back, it's almost a goal. Most centre-backs don't risk this kind of game, depending on the holding midfielder in front.

My mother taught me to be honest no matter what situation takes place in my life, to be honest and to stay humble.

Sadio Mane is a world-class player. He is almost perfect. He moves very fast, controls the ball well and is very intelligent in his movements.

By relying on my experience as a player, I hope to one day perform as a coach.

Italian football remains a very successful product, which has inspired people all over the world.

I heard a lot of things: 'I'm not a leader, I'm not this or that.' It wounds you, but after that it's also the kind of thing that motivates you the most.

Ibrahimovic is a very intelligent player and there are very few strikers like him in world football.

It's tough for us to fight against those who have the microphone. We try and respond on the pitch, playing as well as possible, and dedicating ourselves on the training ground.

I think that humility is key to succeed and conquer your dreams.

I am not a mercenary. Milan was my home. They made a good deal, though. They signed me for 10 million euros and sold me for 42 million euros.

Messi is one of the best strikers in the world, one of the very best players.

It's harder to defend against Lionel Messi than Cristiano Ronaldo.

For me, Messi is the greatest player in history, the greatest player I've ever seen.

Messi is one of the best of all, but I'm sure Neymar will get to that level.

Will I go back to Milan one day? I don't know what the future will be.

I am very happy at Milan.

I would still be at Milan if it weren't for their financial problems.

To be honest, I never thought about leaving Milan.

My arrival at Porto wasn't easy and I had some difficulties. I spoke the same language but I felt very lonely. Two months later I caught tuberculosis yet at the time no doctor at Porto knew for sure what was wrong with me. I trained and played with the B team.

I've overcome tuberculosis and my life was at risk.