Fulham Winger Willian Reveals Compelling Reasons Why He Cancelled His Three-Year Arsenal Contract

Fulham Winger Willian Reveals Compelling Reasons Why He Cancelled His Three-Year Arsenal Contract

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:12 PM
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  • Fulham midfielder Willian has opened up on his time at Arsenal and revealed why he suddenly terminated his three-year deal
  • The former Chelsea star said that the lack of fans during the Covid-19 pandemic punctured his desire to play
  • Willian recently exited Corinthians to join the Cottagers after his family received death threats on social media in Brazil

Former Chelse winger Willian has revealed conclusive details why he decided to terminate his Arsenal contract. Willian signed for the Gunners after leaving the Blues in 2020.

The Brazilian currently plays for Fulham, a year after returning to play in his home country of Corinthians.

Willian, Arsenal, Chelsea, Corinthians, Fulham, Premier League
Willian left Corinthians last month and now plays for Premier League side Fulham. Photo by Visionhaus.
Source: Getty Images

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Willian reveals why he cancelled his Arsenal contract

According to The Athletic, Willian decided to walk away from the Gunners after playing for just a year of his three-year deal. The Covid-19 aftermath made it impossible for fans to attend matches, and Willian thinks that is the main reason why he had to leave.

For most of the season, we were playing without fans. Maybe I needed to feel the buzz of the crowd, that it was something I missed. It was a difficult moment not just for me, but for everyone in the world.

Willian ended his hugely successful seven-year association with Chelsea when his contract expired in 2020.

Arsenal gave the Brazilian a lucrative contract, but the decision to walk away after just 12 months was odd. He said the money was less important to him.

I think I’m maybe the only player who has done something like this. Money is not the most important thing in the world. I have to feel good to feel motivated to go to training. I wasn’t having that there so I decided to leave.

The 34-year-old didn't have the best of times at Arsenal, with just one goal and seven assists in 37 appearances. He joined Corinthians but left after 12 months after his family received death threats on social media.

Roman Abramovich wanted to buy Arsenal in 2003

Sports Brief earlier reported on former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's intention to buy Arsenal in 2003. The Russian oligarch was wrongly advised that the Gunners were not for sale.

He ended up purchasing London rivals, bringing unprecedented success to Stamford Bridge and ultimately elevating the Blues as one of Europe's top sides.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.