Arsenal sign Willian, ex-Chelsea midfielder, on free transfer
Arsenal Football Club in England have confirmed the signing of Willian da Silva, former Chelsea midfield player, on a free transfer.
Arsenal saw off competition from the likes of Barcelona and Inter Miami to sign the ex-Chelsea midfielder on a three-year deal.
The 32-year-old Brazilian player spent seven years at Chelsea after joining from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013 for £30 million.
He made 339 appearances for the Premier League side, scoring 63 goals and registering 56 assists.
The Brazilian star also featured 47 times in all competitions for Frank Lampard’s side in 2019-20, netting 11 goals.
He won two Premier League titles, one Europa league, FA cup and League Cup during his stay at Stamford Bridge.
Before exiting the club, Willian had written an open letter to Chelsea fans, thanking them for their support.
“The time has now come to move on. I am certainly going to miss my team-mates,” the letter read.
“I will miss all the staff at the club 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!”
Reacting to the development, Mike Arteta, Arsenal coach, said Willian is a player that can make a difference in his new club.
“We have been monitoring him for the past few months, we had a clear intention to strengthen in the attacking midfielder and the winger positions. He is a player that gives us a lot of versatility, he can play in three or four different positions,” he said.
“He has the experience of everything in the football world but to still have the ambition to come here and contribute to bring the club where it belongs. I have been really impressed with all the talks I have had with him and how much he wanted to come.”
Speaking on his latest career decision, Willian said he decided to join Arsenal in order to make an impact in the club.
The player said he is determined to help the club win matches and trophies.
“I decided (to join) because Arsenal is one of the biggest clubs in the world. They have a new project with Mikel Arteta,” he said.
“I think this club deserves to shine again and I want to be a part of this project. To be a part of the Arsenal family is amazing. I am very happy to do that.
“I come to try to win trophies, because this club deserves to win again, and I think you have to do the best as possible to win every game. I always train hard and go on the pitch giving 100 per cent to help this team to win games and to win titles as well.”
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