Willian, a celebrated figure during his time at Chelsea, recently revealed the surprising depth of concern surrounding his decision to join Arsenal. Even those closest to him – family members – questioned the move, sensing a potential misstep in his illustrious career.
For seven seasons, Willian had been a consistent force at Chelsea, arriving from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013 for a substantial £30 million. He consistently delivered, making over 300 appearances and scoring 63 goals, becoming a beloved player for the fans.
His trophy cabinet swelled with Premier League titles under both Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, alongside triumphs in the Europa League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup. He even inherited the prestigious No. 10 shirt in 2019, a symbol of his importance to the club.
Yet, less than a year later, Willian declared it was “the right time to move on,” sparking a transfer to Arsenal. The move, initially championed by Mikel Arteta who believed he would “really make a difference,” ultimately proved disastrous.
The Brazilian struggled to adapt, scoring only once in 37 appearances for the Gunners. He later described his time at Arsenal as the “worst” of his professional life, a stark contrast to the success he’d known previously.
The core issue stemmed from contract negotiations with Chelsea. Offered only a two-year extension, while desiring three, Willian sought opportunities elsewhere, and Arsenal presented themselves as a viable option. But the doubts of his family proved prescient.
Upon arrival, Arsenal was undergoing a significant transition, with a wave of players departing and new faces joining. The timing couldn’t have been worse, coinciding with the isolating conditions of the pandemic and empty stadiums, hindering any chance of connection with the supporters.
Despite having two years remaining on a lucrative contract, Willian engineered a departure, returning to his boyhood club, Corinthians. He openly admitted he wasn’t happy at Arsenal, and that unhappiness directly impacted his performance on the pitch.
“I don’t want to go into the details,” he confessed, “but after three months, I told my agent, ‘Please, I want to go.’” He emphasized his respect for Arsenal’s history and stature, but acknowledged the move simply didn’t work.
Ultimately, Willian prioritized happiness over financial gain. He realized that money couldn’t compensate for the lack of fulfillment he experienced, choosing to leave a situation that was detrimental to his well-being. It was a difficult decision, but one he felt was necessary.
He’s since had spells back in the Premier League with Fulham and now plays for Gremio in Brazil, a testament to his enduring passion for the game. His story serves as a powerful reminder that even for accomplished athletes, finding the right fit is paramount.
