Silva plays down return to AC Milan, targets PSG success

Published Mar. 15, 2014 8:08 a.m. ET

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Thiago Silva has played down talk of a return to AC Milan, insisting he is committed to seeing out his contract with Paris Saint-Germain and trying to win the UEFA Champions League.

Silva believes PSG have a chance to win the competition this year after demolishing Bayer Leverkusen 6-1 on aggregate to reach the quarter-finals.

PSG reached the last eight 12 months ago before being knocked out by Barcelona on away goals, but Silva feels they have improved and can now challenge for glory.

Even if they do not come out on top this time around, Laurent Blanc's men are expected to remain a major force over the next few seasons and Silva dreams of lifting the trophy before his deal expires in 2018.

"The game against Leverkusen was tough but we managed to keep the match under control," Silva said in L'Equipe after a 2-1 victory in midweek sealed a 6-1 aggregate success against Leverkusen.

"We are showing that we have a place among Europe's top teams.

"We have great players, which allows us to make the difference, but all the clubs that will be in the quarter-finals will be great teams, stronger than Leverkusen."

Silva added in L'Equipe: "I have the feeling we will meet Barcelona again in the quarter-finals, but I hope the outcome will be different. I believe we are playing better than last term."

Brazilian centre-back Silva joined PSG from AC Milan in 2012 and has been linked with a return to the San Siro at some point in the future.

He admits it would be wrong to rule anything out, but has given no thought to leaving Paris before his current deal runs out.

"Will I go back to Milan one day? I don't know what the future will be," said the 29-year-old.

"I have a long-term contract at Paris. I hope to stay until the end of it, but indeed Milan has remained in my heart.

"Above all what I hope the most is to win the Champions League with PSG."