Chelsea winger Willian has finally opened up about last summer’s transfer speculation.
The Brazilian international was strongly linked with a return to his former manager Jose Mourinho at Manchester United during the summer transfer window, but according to the player he was never close to leaving Chelsea.
The 29-year-old spent the majority of last season on the bench as Pedro’s brilliant performances cemented the Spaniard’s place in the first-team line-up ahead of Willian. Rumours of his Chelsea future started circulating in the papers, but United never submitted a formal offer.
Willian admits that it’s upsetting when manager Antonio Conte doesn’t play him as much as he would like to, but claims that’s not a good enough reason for him to get up and leave the club he’s been at for so long.
I had contact with Manchester United but I was not close to leaving. Of course, sometimes you get upset that you’re not playing. But that doesn’t mean you do not like the club or the people who work there.
– Willian, UOL (via Metro)
Willian has recorded one goal and two assists to his name in all competitions this season, having made a total of 15 appearances.
