‘I wish I never left’ – Willian reflects on his regret about switching Chelsea for Arsenal | OneFootball

Fulham forward Willian has expressed his regrets about leaving Chelsea to join London neighbours Arsenal.

Having enjoyed seven trophy-laden years with the Blues, Willian switched allegiances to the club’s local rivals following a contract dispute at Stamford Bridge.

However, after dazzling on his debut for the Gunners, an underwhelming 12 months followed as the Brazilian managed just one goal and seven assists in 37 appearances across the capital.

“Yeah, I wish I never did,” were the first words from Willian when asked how he felt about his departure from Chelsea (via Football Daily).

“Of course it’s easy to say now, but when I stop to think about all the situation, I say to myself – I wish I never left. But it’s life – I’m happy now, I’m at Fulham, I’m enjoying myself there, and it’s life.”

Willian has gone full circle after leaving Arsenal. He went back to his native Brazil, joining Corinthians on a free transfer.

However, his dream return to South America soon became a nightmare when he found himself on the receiving end of online abuse.

Willian struggled to assert himself in the team, scoring just once and providing six assists in 45 appearances for Corinthians, while his family also had difficulty adapting to their return to Brazil.

After just over a year back home, the 34-year-old returned to London with Fulham on a one-year deal, and his acquisition has proven a masterstroke by the Cottagers.

Willian has been pivotal to Fulham’s European push despite his paltry three goals and three assists in 19 league games. One of his strikes came in a 2-1 win over Chelsea in January.

The Brazilian will be looking to be at the thick of things again when Fulham welcome his former club and league leaders Arsenal to Craven Cottage for Sunday’s mouth-watering London derby showdown.