Willian's Vow To Win The Champions League With Arsenal After Leaving Chelsea Came Back To Haunt Him

Willian's comments regarding Arsenal winning the Champions League have resurfaced - with former side Chelsea winning the competition immediately after his departure.

The Brazilian swapped Stamford Bridge for the Emirates Stadium last summer after being sold a long-term project by Mikel Arteta.

He put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Gunners and admitted the main appeal was winning the Champions League.

Per Football London he said: "One of the reasons I wanted a three-year deal was to be part of a plan, not just a player passing through.

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"When I talked with the manager he told me why he needed me for three years.

"It was that he first wanted to qualify for the Champions League and win it by the time I left.

"That was what I wanted to hear.

"I was at Chelsea for seven years and won everything except the Champions League.

"Hopefully, this move will give me the trophy I haven't got as well as another Premier League title."

Fast forward a year later and Willian's comments have aged horribly, regarding his own and Arsenal's position.

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The club are without European football for the first time in over 25 years after coming eighth in the Premier League.

Meanwhile Willian himself endured a poor season and didn't score until the second to last gameweek, while half of his goal contributions came in opening day victory at Fulham.

So what have Chelsea done in the meantime? Thomas Tuchel's men have secured a place in the top four, made it to an FA Cup final and won the Champions League.

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Ouch.

Despite his departure, Willian was a popular player at Chelsea and then-manager Frank Lampard was keen on keeping him around.

A two-year deal was offered but the 32-year-old turned it down as he believed he warranted three years extra.

Now it looks like Willian is set to leave England after eight years as Arsenal look to reduce their wage budget.

The Athletic report that as well as the winger, Bernd Leno, Granit Xhaka and Hector Bellerin all want to leave the club.

David Luiz, another former Chelsea player, has already departed after two seasons.

Topics: Chelsea, Football, Transfers, Willian, Premier League, Arsenal

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

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