Former Blue Willian Looks back on Arsenal and Spurs Transfers

Former Chelsea winger Willian has opened up about some of the defining decisions and relationships of his Premier League career, revealing why he considers his move to Stamford Bridge one of the best choices he ever made.

Willian joined Chelsea from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013 after initially appearing destined for Tottenham. The Brazilian had travelled to Spurs for a medical and was close to completing the move before Chelsea intervened. Reflecting on the dramatic transfer, Willian said he woke up the following morning and decided he did not want to join Tottenham.

“I respect the club, I respect them a lot, but it [Chelsea] was the best choice of my life,” Willian said.

The decision ultimately proved hugely successful. During seven seasons at Stamford Bridge, Willian made 339 appearances, scoring 63 goals and providing 62 assists. He won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League, while also collecting Chelsea's Player of the Year award in 2016.

Willian also reserved special praise for Frank Lampard, who managed him during his final season at Chelsea. Asked about the managers he worked under at Stamford Bridge, he said: “For me, at Chelsea, after Mourinho, he was the best.”

That relationship was particularly important during the 2019/20 campaign. Under Lampard, Willian enjoyed one of his best Chelsea seasons, becoming an important attacking outlet and producing memorable performances, including a two-goal display against Tottenham.

However, his next move to Arsenal became a very different experience. Willian revealed that despite being promised a major role by Mikel Arteta, he wanted to leave just three months after arriving.

“Arteta said to me… ‘I want you to be the main guy. We're going to build the team around you.’ Three months later, [I] said to my agent, ‘I want to leave.’”

Willian eventually left Arsenal after just one season and returned to Brazil with Corinthians. His contrasting experiences at Chelsea and Arsenal underline why Stamford Bridge remains such an important part of his career.