Willian announces Chelsea departure
Willian will not continue at Stamford Bridge next season. The attacker confirmed the news on social media. He sent a message to Chelsea fans and now he is looking to embark on a new adventure.
It was an open secret, but now it is official. Willian is leaving Chelsea.
The Chelsea man said goodbye to fans in a letter published on social media.
"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. 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," the letter began.
"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," he continued.
He made clear that he was passionate about playing for the club all this time: "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!" he concluded.
His next club is still unknown although everything seems to indicate that Arsenal will be his next destination. He has been negotiating with the Gunners recently and his signing could be made official shortly.