Chelsea defender Thiago Silva he could've had a very different career if he had listened to a former coach.

The veteran, 38, has long been regarded among the best defenders in the world.

But he recalled to chelseafc.com: "I had a coach. He wanted me to play in midfield. Midfield? Me?! No, surely not! It wasn't for me, I knew this very quickly.

"I had other coaches and they saw something different in me. I became a centre-back, I've gone on to have excellent career, played at the top level, won trophies and captained my country. Imagine if I'd listened to that first coach!

"I got the nickname 'Monster' for playing in defence. Not because I'm hideous like a monster before anyone says that!

"It's because I'm good at what I do, even now I have the nickname. It's been with me throughout my whole career.

"People recognise my name with this nickname. When they hear 'Monster', they think of me. That means so much to me. I'm proud of it."