The Brazilian’s time at Arsenal was a disappointment, but he at least left with his head held high with one last classy gesture.
Willian has saved Arsenal around £20.5 million (€23.9m) by agreeing to end his lucrative contract without costing the club anything.
Despite a disappointing spell at the Emirates, Willian had two seasons left on a £240,000-a-week contract. The 33-year-old could’ve stayed in London on his sweet salary or asked for a big pay-off. Instead, he tore up his contract and will now re-join boyhood club Corinthians in Brazil.
According to Sky Sports, Willian’s decision saved Arsenal £20.5m and left the club’s directors ‘amazed’. He accepts his time with the Gunners was not a success but wished to leave with his head held high.
The former Chelsea winger will take a 70% pay cut to return to Corinthians on a free transfer and end a 14-year spell in Europe.
A parting message
After terminating his contract on Monday, Willian took to Instagram to say farewell to Arsenal fans. The Brazil international admitted things didn’t go to plan and apologized in a long message. He also denied claims his move to the club was for ‘financial reasons’.
“I would like to thank Arsenal for the opportunity they have given to me and for the warm welcome received by everybody at the club,” Willian posted on Instagram.
”Unfortunately, things on the pitch didn’t go the way we had all planned and hoped. I received a lot of criticism, especially from some members of the press that I had come here for financial reasons… I hope with my actions today explain to those people and they now understand that was not the case. I hope it teaches some people that they should not be so quick to pass judgment and create bad environments to make themselves important even though I accept that’s part of the game.”
‘It didn’t happen for me at Arsenal and I am sorry’
”All my career I have done everything to be the best I can be I always want to win and I find it hard to accept not doing so. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen for me at Arsenal and I am sorry about that.
”I came to England in 2013 and I have enjoyed every minute of my time here. I want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way to play in this wonderful league that is full of heart and spirit.
”To the Arsenal fans I am sorry we never got to meet properly due to the pandemic, but I know your desire for success and your support for the club is incredible, so I wish you all the best for the future because you deserve it. To everyone else involved with this historic club, I wish you all the best for the future.”
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