Willian to Arsenal transfer set to be announced as winger officially confirms Chelsea exit
Posted Monday, August 10, 2020 by Express.co.uk
Willian has left Chelsea (Image: GETTY)
Willian has confirmed his departure from Chelsea.
Arsenal transfer target Willian has announced his exit from Chelsea after seven years at Stamford Bridge which paves the way for a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Willian's contract with Chelsea ended in June but he signed a short-term extension to play in the final weeks of the prolonged season.
But his last performance came in the 5-3 defeat to Liverpool on July 22 due to injury.
And following Chelsea's exit in the Champions League, the Brazilian has confirmed he will leave the club.
"They were seven wonderful years. In August 2013 when I received the offer from Chelsea, I was convinced that this was where I had to play," he said in a statement.
"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 teammates. 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!
"My heartfelt thanks go out to all of you and God bless you!"
Willian's decision to leave Chelsea makes him a free agent, with his next destination set to be Arsenal.
The Gunners are prepared to give the 32-year-old the three-year deal Chelsea were unwilling to do.
Willian's agent Kia Joorabchian has been in talks with Arsenal in recent weeks and an announcement is expected next week.
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