Porto have bid farewell to Thiago Silva following a title-winning campaign and the veteran centre-back is now a free agent once more.
Silva joined Porto in December on a deal until the season and made his return to European football the following month, becoming the oldest player in the club's history in the process.
He went on to make 14 appearances in all competitions for the Dragoes as they claimed their 31st top flight title.
The move marked an emotional reunion for Silva, after he previously joined the team more than two decades prior - making 14 appearances for Porto B in the 2004-05 season.
"With immense pride and gratitude, we wish you, Thiago, the greatest happiness on the path you now continue to travel." Porto president Andre Villas-Boas wrote in a statement shared on the club's website.
"The doors of FC Porto will always be open for you, because there are stories that last forever."
With his 42nd birthday coming up in September, Silva could well opt to hang up his boots off the back of another trophy but his performances this season have proven that the 113-cap international remains a viable asset, even at the highest levels of the game.
With that in mind, we've taken a look at three potential options for the UEFA Champions League winner.
Chelsea
The first, and arguably most plausible, option to feature on this list would see Silva make a return to the club where he claimed his sole Champions League victory, Chelsea.
Silva spent four years at Stamford Bridge after joining the Blues on a free transfer from PSG and went on to earn his place in club folklore as they claimed European glory for just the second time in his maiden season.
While a return to west London would make logistical sense as much as anything else - his children play for the club's academy - it seems unlikely that Silva would be registered as a player should he make his way back to the club.
Instead, Silva would likely finally call time on his legendary career in order to serve as part of Chelsea's technical team, with his leadership skills and vast experience valuable assets for incoming head coach Xabi Alonso as he attempts to reshape the club following an ailing campaign.
AC Milan
Prior to agreeing terms with Porto late last year Silva was heavily linked with a return to another of his former clubs, AC Milan.
He had reportedly emerged as a potential option to offer additional cover in defence as Massimiliano Allegri's side were mounting a title charge and sat level with then-leaders Napoli.
Ultimately Milan opted not to pursue a deal for Silva, with 19-year-old loanee Magnus Dalpiaz subsequently becoming the club's only defensive signing of the January window.
A failure to shore up their defence was followed by a precipitous drop in form for the Rossoneri towards the tail end of the season as they endured a run of just two league wins from eight games between March and May.
With a return to European football all but confirmed for Milan, Allegri will be determined to bring in a number of reinforcements ahead of the coming campaign and a reunion with Silva could prove to be a shrewd signing as they look to compete on multiple fronts.
Return to Brazil
A final option that could allow Silva to prolong his playing career would be for him to return to his native Brazil.
After departing Fluminense for AC Milan in the winter of 2008 Silva spent 16 years plying his trade on the European continent before returning to Fluzão after emotionally bidding farewell to Chelsea in 2024.
His influence was key to the club's great escape in 2024, as they managed to avoid relegation Campeonato Brasileiro despite being bottom of the table upon his arrival.
Fluminense have since returned to a more familiar position of challenging for titles in the Brazilian top flight and would undoubtedly welcome the return of a player of Silva's stature should he opt to move back to South America.
