Willian Admits Rejecting Chance to Move to Barcelona After Discussions With Family

Chelsea winger Willian has explained that he and his family’s desire to stay in London, as well as a variety of other factors, was the reason behind his decision to stay at Stamford Bridge rather than move to Barcelona last summer. 

The Brazilian was reported to be close to a move to Spain throughout the close season and, after the Catalan giants initially killed the rumours by signing international compatriot Malcom, the speculation briefly arose again in January.

Ultimately, the move didn’t come to fruition, and the 31-year-old has knuckled down to re-establish himself as a key player with some important performances under Frank Lampard in recent weeks. 

?And when asked why he opted to stay, the winger had a simple explanation. “The only real official offer I had came from ?Barcelona, last year, after the World Cup,” he told DAZN, as quoted by ?the Metro. “Barcelona indeed presented an offer to ?Chelsea but it was rejected. 

“That was the only actual time I had to discuss something like this with my family, although we really love it here [in London]. So there were several factors that helped us in staying.”

His contract is up in 2020, however, with the likes of ?Barcelona and Juventus reportedly set to circle when his deal expires, should Chelsea fail to renew terms.

Willian, however, has his heart set on a return to Brazil should he have to leave London, with Corinthians – for whom he made his senior breakthrough and played 17 times prior to joining Shakhtar Donetsk – looking like a preferred destination down the line. 

“If I have to return to Brazil, I’d like to play at Corinthians again,” he said. “It represents a lot, I was born and raised there, my footballing career began there when I was nine, I’ve spent my entire childhood there.

“I’ve been a Corinthians fan since I was little, even before I played there, my family also supports the club. 

“So when I got there all my relatives were very happy, and then, after I got to the first team, everyone was overjoyed.”

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