The Brazilian forward has put an end to speculations surrounding his future by penning an open letter after reports emerged a deal had been agreed with Arsenal. Willian’s future as being a matter of concern at the Bridge with his contract expiring, and the club unable to reach an agreement on a new deal, it was reported earlier that he rejected a two-year deal from the club.
Unfortunately, Chelsea has a strict policy with the number of years given to players above 30, and with Willian already 32, the club was reluctant to meet his demand for a three years contract.
Willian confirmed he would be leaving the club after a seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge after talks had broken down due to its reluctance. He penned an emotional tribute to Chelsea fans on Instagram
‘They were seven wonderful years,’ he wrote. ‘In August 2013, when I received the offer from Chelsea, I was convinced that this was where I had to play.
‘Today, I am certain that it was the best of decisions. There were so many happy times, some sad, there were trophies, and it was always very intense.
‘Yet, beyond the trophies, I learnt a lot about myself. I developed a great deal, becoming a better player and a better person.
‘With each training session, with each game, with every minute spent in the dressing room, I was always learning.
‘I am really grateful to the Chelsea fans for the affectionate way they welcomed me at Stamford Bridge and their support throughout my time at the club.
‘There was also criticism, which is normal, what is important though is that both the affection and criticism drove me to always give my all in every training session, every game, to be constantly improving until my very last minute in a Chelsea shirt!
‘The time has now come to move on. I am certainly going to miss my team-mates. I will miss all the club staff who’ve always treated me like a son, and I will miss the fans.
‘I leave with my head held high, safe in the knowledge that I won things here and always did my best in a Chelsea shirt!
‘My heartfelt thanks go out to all of you, and God bless you!’
Willian joined Chelsea for Chelsea from Russia Anzhi Makhachkala for a thought to be around 30 million, despite completing a medical with London rival Tottenham. He signed a five-year contract for Chelsea in 2013 and won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and Carabao Cup and a Europa League. He was voted the Chelsea player of the year in the 2015/16 season. He made a total of 339 appearances with 63 goals and 63 assists.
Chelsea boss had told reporters before their elimination from the Champions League, “I would have no feeling of disappointment if he does move on, he said before the defeat by Bayern Munich. I don’t have the answer; if he moves on, I would wish him well. And that kind of where we’re at now.”
