(FILES) In this file photo taken on March 03, 2020 Chelsea’s Brazilian midfielder Willian reacts during the English FA Cup fifth round football match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in London on March 3, 2020. – Arsenal completed the signing of Willian on a three-year deal on August 14, 2020 after the Brazilian winger’s contract at Chelsea expired. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Brazilian winger Willian unveiled as an Arsenal player
Willian has joined Arsenal on a free transfer after being released by Chelsea.
(FILES) In this file photo taken on March 03, 2020 Chelsea’s Brazilian midfielder Willian reacts during the English FA Cup fifth round football match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in London on March 3, 2020. – Arsenal completed the signing of Willian on a three-year deal on August 14, 2020 after the Brazilian winger’s contract at Chelsea expired. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
FA Cup champions Arsenal have announced the signing of Brazilian international, Willian on a three-year deal.
The 32-year-old ended a seven-year spell at London rivals Chelsea, where his contract expired at the end of the 2019/20 season.
Willian trades blue for red
He had been heavily linked with a move to The Emirates and, on Friday, he was finally unveiled as an Arsenal player.
Willian said it was the presence of young manager, Mikel Arteta which persuaded him to join the North London club.
“I think that with Arteta, Arsenal have a great opportunity to fight again for titles in the Premier League and in Europe so I’m very happy because of that,” said Willian.
“When I talked to Mikel, the conversation was good, he gave me confidence to come to Arsenal. He said a lot of good things to me and that’s why I have come to Arsenal.”
Willian
Arteta said the winger was a player who could make a difference for the club.
“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.”
Mikel Arteta
From Chelsea to Arsenal
Willian becomes the second player in as many seasons to make the switch from Chelsea to Arsenal.
He now links up with ex-Chelsea teammate and compatriot David Luiz, who joined the Gunners a little over a year ago.
Another big name who made a similar move is legendary goalkeeper Petr Cech, who ended his playing career with the North Londoners after a record-breaking spell with the Blues.
There have been players who moved the opposite direction, most notably former England international Ashley Cole and, more recently, French striker Olivier Giroud.
Tags:
