Former Brazil international Willian has admitted that his family warned him against joining Arsenal in 2020, describing his unsuccessful one-year stint with the Gunners as the most difficult period of his career.
Chelsea legend Willian has revealed that his family advised him to remain at Stamford Bridge before his ill-fated move to Arsenal.
Despite a successful seven-year tenure with the Blues, the winger left for North London in 2020 after contract negotiations stalled.
Willian told HBO Max, “Many people say I should never have left Chelsea, family members as well,” citing the transition period and empty pandemic-era stadiums as factors.
The Brazilian eventually walked away from a lucrative contract at the Emirates to return to his homeland.
Reflecting on his struggles under Mikel Arteta, Willian admitted his unhappiness prevented him from performing, leading him to request an exit after just three months.
“For me, it’s unfair to stay in a place that you don’t want to stay just because of the money,” he explained.