Chelsea hero Willian has revealed that even ‘family members’ were concerned about his decision to leave Stamford Bridge and join London rivals Arsenal.

Willian spent seven enjoyable and successful years at Chelsea following his £30m move from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013.

The Brazilian made at least 40 appearances in each of his seven seasons in west London, amassing over 300 appearances for Chelsea and scoring 63 goals.

Willian helped the Blues win two Premier League titles – the first under Jose Mourinho and the second under Antonio Conte – the Europa League, FA Cup and EFL Cup.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk winger was named as Chelsea’s new No. 10 in August 2019 but was announcing his departure less than a year later, claiming it was the ‘right time to move on’.

Willian was heavily linked with Premier League rivals Arsenal during his final few weeks at Chelsea and indeed signed a three-year deal with the Gunners less than a week after his Stamford Bridge exit.

Mikel Arteta was confident the Brazil international would ‘really make a difference for us’ but that failed to materialise, with Willian leaving the following summer having scored just once in 37 appearances.

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