“Arsenal is not a place to fulfill your dreams” “I regret leaving Chelsea for Arsenal” – Former Chelsea player finally reveals
Former Chelsea star Willian has opened up about his brief and difficult spell at Arsenal, admitting he wanted to leave the club just three months after joining them.
The Brazilian winger, who spent seven successful years at Stamford Bridge, described his time at the Emirates as the “worst” of his career.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, Willian revealed, “I wasn’t happy [at Arsenal], I wasn’t happy. That’s why I didn’t perform.”
Willian was a fan favorite during his Chelsea tenure, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup, and a Europa League. Known for his skill and consistency, he reached double digits in goals during four of his seven seasons at the club, including his final campaign in 2019-20. Chelsea offered him a contract extension that summer, but Willian opted for a lucrative three-year deal at Arsenal, becoming one of the Gunners’ highest-paid players. However, the move quickly turned sour.
“When I arrived there, I was happy,” Willian shared. “From the beginning, I was motivated. I wanted to do well—new club, new mates, new project. But after three months, I said to my agent: ‘Please, I want to go.’” The winger explained that despite Arsenal’s stature and rich history, the environment didn’t work for him. “I don’t want to speak bad about the club, because it is a big club. Arsenal has a big history. But it didn’t work, it didn’t work. It was, of course, the most difficult time of my career.”
Willian’s departure from Arsenal was extraordinary, as he agreed to terminate his massive contract after just one season, forfeiting millions to facilitate an exit. Reflecting on this decision, he said, “It was big money that I gave up. But sometimes money is not the most important thing in life. I think you need to be happy, get pleasure every day waking up in the morning to go to train. I wasn’t having that.” His candid remarks highlight the challenges players face when balancing financial incentives with personal well-being.
Ultimately, Willian’s Arsenal stint was a stark contrast to his glittering Chelsea career, where he thrived and left an indelible mark. Despite the disappointment at Arsenal, Willian’s decision to prioritise happiness over money resonates. “For me, it’s unfair to stay in a place that you don’t want to stay just because of the money,” he concluded. Willian’s honest reflections underline the importance of finding fulfillment in football and life beyond the pitch.