'I never want to return to Brazil' claims ex-Chelsea and Arsenal star

Suraj Radia

• 6 May 2023 13:50 BST
• 2 min read

Former Chelsea and Arsenal winger Willian has admitted he ‘never wants to return to Brazil’ after a brief stint back in his home country prior to joining Fulham last summer.

Willian, who has 70 caps for Brazil, played in his home nation until the age of 19, when he joined Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, and didn’t return until 2021, when he joined his boyhood team Corinthians after a brief stint with Arsenal.

However, despite being one of Brazil’s most successful players to play in Europe, Willian revealed that his time with Corinthians was difficult due to the pressure and tension put on him and his family.

REGRETS: Willian admits he wishes he never left Chelsea

The 34-year-old spent just one year in Brazil before cancelling his contract early to move back to London, where he has recaptured some of his best form playing for Fulham.

“What I see in Brazil is sometimes inhuman pressure, which leads to violence at the base, threatens the family, the children... when it comes to that part, for me, it changes. I have to preserve my family, it is my most precious asset,” Willian told PL Brasil.

“I don't want to go back to Brazil, ever again [to play].”

Willian’s European love affair

Willian has won 15 trophies during his time in Europe, lifting major honours with Shakhtar and Chelsea during his seven year stint with the Blues, as well as leading Brazil to the Copa America in 2019.

The winger moved to Chelsea for £30 million before leaving on a free transfer to Arsenal in 2020, however he spent just one year with the Gunners, which he described as ‘the worst time he had lived as a professional’.

REVEALED: Why Willian left Arsenal

His contract with Arsenal was terminated in August 2021 and he went back to Corinthians, where he started his career, but his time in Brazil was marred by threats and unsavoury acts from fans, prompting his return to England.

Willian has since become an integral part of Fulham’s team in their first season back in the Premier League, with Cottagers boss Marco Silva revealing that the club were in talks to extend the Brazilian’s contract for another season.