Willian reveals the surprising thing about his departure from Arsenal

Former Arsenal star Willian has opened up about the surprising circumstances surrounding his departure from the club. Despite his struggles during his time at Arsenal, the Brazilian winger revealed that the club was keen for him to stay.

Reflecting on his tenure, Willian shared his thoughts candidly. “When it came to the end of the first season, I spoke to them and said: I don’t think it’s going to work out here. I’m a player who needs to feel happy where I am, and here I can’t find myself,” he told the media. His words highlight the personal struggles he faced in adapting to life at the Emirates Stadium.

Willian joined Arsenal in the summer of 2020 after a successful seven-year stint at Chelsea. His arrival was met with high expectations, but he found it challenging to replicate his previous form. Throughout his first season, he managed to score just one goal in 37 appearances across all competitions, leading to widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike.

Despite the difficulties, Arsenal were reluctant to let him go. “So we decided to terminate my contract, but Arsenal always wanted me to stay, to try for another year,” Willian explained. This revelation is surprising, given the general perception that his departure was mutual due to underperformance. The club’s willingness to give him another chance underscores their belief in his potential to turn things around.

Willian also touched upon the broader context of his exit, noting that Arsenal was undergoing significant changes at the time. “I think the main factor was that I caught the club in the middle of a revamp, changing everything,” he said. This period of transition likely added to the challenges he faced, as the team was rebuilding and striving for consistency.

Ultimately, Willian and Arsenal mutually agreed to terminate his contract, allowing him to return to Brazil, where he signed with Corinthians but has since then returned to Premier League to Fulham.