Willian Says Barcelona Offer For Him Was Turned Down By Chelsea
Chelsea winger, Willian has admitted to being contacted by Barcelona and offered a contract even as his contract at the Stamford Bridge winds down.
The Brazilian said that the Blaugranas made an approach in 2018, but their advances were rebuffed by Chelsea.
The Brazil International is said to still be on the radar of the Catalan club as his contract in West London runs down.
A move to Barcelona has been mooted for the winger for years.
Following the last World Cup finals hosted by Russia, the Blaugranas are said to have attempted to reach an agreement with Chelsea.
That approach was however thrown into the bin as Willian recorded an impressive 2017/18 campaign which saw him record a career-best 13 goals for the season.
He has since his arrival at the Stamford Bridge remained a key player at the club. Now 31, he has no regrets or complaints about Chelsea rejecting such offers from Barcelona.
Willian said while speaking to Saudade’, a DAZN exclusive series on Brazilian’s playing abroad that will be unveiled to the world on Thursday,
“The only real official offer I had came from Barcelona, last year, after the World Cup.
“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 (London). So there were several factors that helped us in staying.”
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The Brazilian has repeatedly discussed his desires at trashing any contract deals with the club. Yet, he is due to become a free agent in 2020.
He rules out a return to Brazil for now, reiterating his desire to remain in Europe while he is still at his peak.
“If I have to return to Brazil, I’d like to play at Corinthians again.
“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.”
