'He was so important for me' – Andrey Santos relishing Thiago Silva reunion at Club World Cup

Andrey Santos revealed "amazing" Thiago Silva helped him settle during his early days at Chelsea, as the two Brazilians prepare to do battle at the Club World Cup.

Santos joined the Blues from Vasco da Gama in January 2023, though he has spent much of his time since on loan.

He has had temporary stints at Vasco, Nottingham Forest and French club Strasbourg, who have the same owners as Chelsea.

The youngster established himself at Strasbourg last season, playing 32 times in Ligue 1, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists.

Santos' early days with Chelsea coincided with the end of veteran defender Silva's four-year spell with the club, in which he helped the Blues to Champions League glory in 2021.

The 21-year-old is grateful for that time spent with a club icon, and now they will be reunited as Chelsea face Fluminense in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.

With a final against either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid in wait for the winners, Santos knows the stakes are high as he prepares to take on his former team-mate, who is still going strong at 40.

"Thiago Silva was so important for me during my first season here [at Chelsea]," Santos told Stats Perform.

"He's just so important from a Chelsea [perspective], and for Chelsea fans too.

"He is amazing. But, tomorrow he is my rival, so I have to work very hard against him."

Having reached the last four, Santos is clear Chelsea are looking to win the competition, but accepts they will need to improve their game if they are to see off a Fluminense team who have already knocked out Champions League runners-up Inter and Saudi Pro League heavyweights Al-Hilal.

Santos, who made his first Chelsea start against Palmeiras in the last eight, added: "For sure, this tournament is so important for us. We come to win every tournament we play at.

"But we know that we have to improve our game when we play against Fluminense. And then everything else will be step by step."

Another reunion is on the cards in Tuesday's encounter, as Chelsea's new signing Joao Pedro prepares to face his boyhood club.

The forward was full of gratitude when asked about his former side, and revealed he was unlikely to celebrate if he were to find the net.

"It's not about trying to end anyone’s dream, but I have to do my job," Joao Pedro said when asked about the prospect of ending the hopes of his old side and millions of Brazilian supporters.

"I need to do my work. Of course, I’m very grateful for everything Fluminense has done for me, but I can't stop doing my job.

"I don’t know how things will play out — anything can happen. No, I don't think [I would celebrate a goal].

"I know how much this competition means to Fluminense, and I believe it’s just as important for us too.

"So, may the best team win, and may it be a great match and a great show for everyone."

The former Brighton attacker also explained his desire to establish himself at Chelsea in order to solidify his position in the Brazil national team ahead of next year's World Cup.

He continued: "Of course, it’s my dream to play for the national team and to become a regular there, and moving to Chelsea has a lot to do with that.

"Playing in the best league, for a better team, a bigger club, a team that fights to win.

"I believe that to have consistency with the national team, you need to be seen, and that definitely played a part in my decision to join Chelsea.

"I think it’s been a great start, and there’s still a lot to come."