AC Milan defender Luca Antonini has admitted that the club has suffered a "great loss" following the departure of Thiago Silva to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Brazilian centre-back joined the French side on Saturday in a deal thought to be worth around £33m, making him the most expensive defender in football.

"Thiago is the strongest defender in the world, AC Milan have suffered a great loss," Antonini told reporters. "I'm sorry he is gone, he is a dear friend, we have been together for four years with the Rossoneri.

"The club has taken this decision and we have to move on. He is a very good guy, he has personality and can still grow."

Silva moved to the San Siro from Fluminense in 2008 for around £8m.