Former AC Milan and Paris Saint German defender, Thiago Silva has revealed the city of Porto holds a special place in his heart.

Thiago Silva joined Porto in 2004 and had complications in his debut season playing for Porto B. He struggled to keep up with the pace and momentum on the pitch.

He complained of sharp chest pain. He was loaned to Dynamo Moscow the following season but his condition became worst in Russia. 

He was diagnosed with tuberculosis. He spent half a year bedridden in Russia hospital.

The 20-year-old defender was kept in isolation for three months. No visitors were allow to visit him. A surgery was suggested on his lungs.

The surgery would have ended his playing career but he avoid it and managed to return to Portugal.

According to the report from Chelsea247, he said:

“I had a flat in Porto and kept up my recovery there”

“A specialist recommend I go walking for half an hour in the morning every day. My girlfriend Isabelle would follow me on bike, but I couldn’t do it for more than 5 minutes”

“I felt exhausted. Little by little, I started jogging. I didn’t stop and after three months, I was healed in the city of Porto”

“To be back in the UEFA Champions League Final means a lot to me. You can say it’s s a surprise gift”