Thiago Silva has criticised plans by Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti to carry out a major overhaul of the national team at the start of the build-up to the 2030 World Cup.
Ancelotti said after his team's exit in the round of 16 at this year's World Cup that he would oversee a "new cycle" with the team, adding a need "for young talent."
Speaking ahead of Brazil's squad announcement on Wednesday for the upcoming friendlies against Australia and India, the Fluminense centre-back told Rádio Tupi as reported in GloboEsporte: "Do you want me to lie or tell the truth? You can't rule out players who are 31, 32 or 33.
"I almost went to the World Cup at 41. You can't rule out players who are in good form."
Silva, who will turn 42 on Sep. 22, captained Brazil at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
He was left out of squad for the recent top tournament despite having hopes of making the World Cup squad after strong performances for FC Porto, the club he joined on loan from Fluminense in the second half of last season.
Silva, who has represented his country 113 times, believes rebuilding the national team cannot be done quickly.
"With the Brazilian national team, things have to be done gradually," the former Chelsea star said. "You can't just get rid of everyone and bring in new players. It has to be done step by step. It's very difficult to be a Brazilian national team player; it's very different from club football.
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"He [Ancelotti] comes from European football, where it's easier to make changes. It doesn't work like that here. You need to adapt and deliver results. And, if possible, play well. I don't like this sort of change. I don't agree with it, but he's the one in charge."
Brazil's early exit from this summer's competition marked their worst performance at a World Cup since a group stage elimination in 1966.
Ancelotti signed a four-year contract extension earlier this year with Brazil's Football Confederation, with the Italian having been appointed in May 2025 after leaving Real Madrid. Brazil will travel Down Under to play two games against Australia later this month before facing India on Oct. 3 in Calcutta.
