‘I wish I never left’: Ex-Chelsea star admits he regrets Arsenal transfer

Suraj Radia

• 11 Mar 2023 08:35 CST
• 2 min read

Ex-Chelsea winger Willian has revealed his regrets over leaving the club, admitting his transfer to Arsenal ‘just didn’t work out’.

Willian spent seven years with the Blues, making over 300 appearances before leaving for Arsenal upon the expiry of his contract in 2020.

However, the Brazilian’s time with the Gunners was unsuccessful and he left by mutual consent just 12 months into his three-year contract, having made 16 league starts.

THOUGHTS: Why Willian believes he flopped at Arsenal

Willian believes Arsenal were going through a period of transition during his time at the club, making his stint difficult and making him wish he stayed at Chelsea.

“I wish I never left. Of course, it’s easy to say now but, when I stopped to think about everything, I said to myself that I wish I never left. But it’s life,” Willian said. “I’m happy now, I’m at Fulham and I’m enjoying myself there. This is life.”

“They (Arsenal) are flying. They were changing a lot. I was excited when I signed with them and I was training hard but it just didn’t work out.”

Willian bouncing back from ‘worst time in career’

Willian joined Fulham in the summer after a second stint back in Brazil with his boyhood club Corinthians and the 34-year-old has played an important part for his new side, even scoring against Chelsea in January.

It marks a rare positive season for Willian, having also struggled in Brazil and describing his spell at Arsenal as ‘the worst time’ he’s had in his career.

COSTS: How Arsenal spent £22.5m on just one goal from Willian

Fulham are considering renewing his contract, which expires in the summer, although Willian also revealed his ambitions to become an agent when he eventually retires from football.

The veteran has scored three goals and grabbed two assists in 19 Premier League games this season, with Fulham sitting in seventh place, five points ahead of Chelsea.