Thiago Silva admits Chelsea's players were shocked by the sale of Jorginho to Arsenal.

Blues defender Thiago Silva outlined his disappointment at his former teammate's decision but insisted "it happens" in football.

"It was for a direct competitor, but these are football things, it happens," Silva told ESPN Brasil.

"He wanted to stay in England because he has family here. There are things that we have no control over, but we have to understand the player's side of things.

"I know we have a lot of work ahead of us, especially as we have lost one of our great leaders in the dressing room.

"Jorginho is a guy who spoke a lot and this hole will remain, but we have to move on.

"We didn't expect him to leave, but it has happened. We have to make up for his absence in the best possible way."