Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is adamant Thiago Silva is committed to the cause.

The veteran defender has expressed disappointment at missing out on Champions League football this season - the first time in his career for 14 years.

But Pochettino insists: "Why is Thiago Silva here? Because he wants to be here. He stayed because the club wanted to keep him. They extended the contract.

"I think Thiago Silva was aware of the project when he extended at the end of last season.

"He knew the plans for the future, but now you're asking things I can't answer. I wasn't here when he extended the contract. He is here because he wanted to stay and the club wanted to keep him."