WILLIAN has called his decision to snub a move to Tottenham as the “best decision of my career”.
In the summer 2013 the Brazilian was completing a medical at Spurs and on the verge of signing for them when a call came in from Chelsea.
When Willian became aware of Chelsea’s interest they were the only option
The Brazilian is now back in the Premier League with Fulham
In an interview with The Athletic he remembers: “Chelsea came on the day I was going to sign the contract with Spurs. I was at Tottenham’s training ground to finalise the deal when the call came.
“I said, ‘OK, I want to go there!’”
The Brazil international moved to Stamford Bridge from Anzhi Makhachkala for a fee in the region of £30million on a five-year deal.
Having already left Tottenham in the lurch, the skilful winger would add salt to Daniel Levy and Spurs’ wounds when he set up John Terry’s goal in a 2-0 victory over them in the 2015 EFL Cup final.
The 34-year-old enjoyed a fruitful spell at Stamford Bridge picking up five major honours, two of which were Premier League titles.
It’s a time he recounts with joy: “I only wanted to go there. It was the best decision of my career!”
Willian swapped south-west London for the red side of the capital when he joined Arsenal in 2020.
But his time with the Gunners was fruitless and faltering, it was a complete contrast to his time at Chelsea and one goal in 37 games summarised that.
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Willian cites the lack of connection with the club – with his time there coinciding with team’s playing behind closed doors – as a possible reason for his struggles.
He said: “I have to feel good, to feel motivated to go to training. I wasn’t having that there so I decided to leave.
“I didn’t see Arsenal fans. Maybe I needed to feel the buzz of the crowd, it was something I missed.”
His Arsenal career was cut short after a single season, but after a period in Brazil, Willian made a shock return to London on deadline day to sign with newly promoted Fulham.
