Thiago Silva thanks former Chelsea boss for Champions League success: 'Without Lampard, I would not be here'

Frank Lampard, dismissed as Chelsea manager in January, signed Brazilian defender on a free transfer

Chelsea players celebrate after beating Manchester City 1-0 to win the Champions League final on Saturday, May 30.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel celebrates after Kai Havertz's winning goal.

Chelsea players celebrate after beating Manchester City in Porto.

Chelsea players celebrate after the match.

Chelsea players celebrate after the match.

Dejected City players Phil Foden and Sergio Aguero after the match.

Chelsea's Kai Havertz skips past City goalkeeper Ederson to put his team ahead in the first half.

City's Phil Foden on the attack being chased by Reece James of Chelsea.

City forward Raheem Sterling sees an early chance saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

City manager Pep Guardiola.

Chelsea striker Timo Werner shoots at goal in the first half but City goalkeeper Ederson saves his weak finish easily.

Kai Havertz celebrates his first-half goal. Getty

City players see their penalty appeals turned down in the second half.

Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante heads over the bar in the first half.

City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne receives treatment after being caught in the face by Antonio Rudiger's shoulder.

Kevin de Bruyne with his eye injury clearly visible.

City's Kevin de Bruyne is substituted due to his face injury.

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger slides in to deny Phil Foden a shot at goal.

Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta and Kevin de Bruyne of City challenge for a header.

Chelsea's Thiago Silva on the ground due to an injury that led to him being substituted in the first half.

Chelsea's Kai Havertz is mobbed by teammates after scoring.

Christian Pulisic misses a chance to make it 2-0 to Chelsea.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel after a missed chance in the second half.

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva paid homage to Frank Lampard for bringing him to the club, and said he hoped the former manager was happy with their Champions League success.

The Blues began the campaign with Lampard in charge before the former Chelsea captain was dismissed in January after a poor run of form and replaced by Thomas Tuchel.

The transformation under Tuchel was immediate, with Chelsea unbeaten in the German's first 14 matches. They reached the FA Cup final and finished fourth in the Premier League before signing off their season in style with a 1-0 win over Manchester City to win a second European Cup.

Brazilian Silva, 36, moved to Stamford Bridge at the start of 2020/21 under Lampard, and said his former boss could be proud of his contribution to their Champions League success.

"Without Lampard, I would not be here," Silva told French broadcaster RMC Sport. "I'm very happy, and I hope he will be too."

Silva was replaced by Andreas Christensen just before half time of Saturday's final after picking up an injury.

But that disappointment was set aside at the final whistle and Silva reflected on his achievement after falling at the final hurdle with PSG last year.

"This is the most important moment in my career. I'm truly very happy. We didn't manage it with PSG but today I'm happy. I hope PSG do it too," Silva said.

"Each time PSG were knocked out, it was made out to be my fault. It's a shame. I did everything I could for the team."