Willian confirms Chelsea exit
In an open letter to the fans, Brazilian winger Willian has confirmed that he will be leaving Chelsea with his contract expiring.
The 32-year-old is in the final few days of his current deal with the club. Negotiations over a deal failed to come to fruition, due to disagreement over the duration of the new deal. (h/t ESPN)
Our season officially ended on Saturday when we lost to Bayern Munich in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie. And Willian took to Twitter to confirm his exit from the club the following day.
“The time has now come to move on. I leave with my head held high, safe in the knowledge that I won things here and always did my best in a Chelsea shirt! My heartfelt thanks go out to all of you and God bless you!”
Willian brings an end to a seven-year association with the club. The Brazilian had moved to Stamford Bridge from Anzhi Makhachkala back in the summer of 2013 and won two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, the UEFA Europa League and the League Cup.
The Brazilian leaves after having made 339 appearances for the club, in which he scored 63 goals. While there have been some lows during his time at the Bridge, Willian, over the years, has been a terrific servant for the club.
And fans, for the most part, thanked him for his contributions, while wishing him the best for the future, after his exit was confirmed.
Fan reactions as Willian leaves Chelsea
Why does it feel emotional now smh…
— 🧢⚽🏆🥇 (@TheChelseaDNA) August 9, 2020
You will be remembered..
OBRIGADO WILLIAN BORGES🔵🔵🔵🏆🏆🏆pic.twitter.com/tl0L6dkDYv
@ElJayCurtis – that's sad man, what a guy & player, best of luck to him he was unbelievable for us & it's a shame he doesn't get recognition for it!
— Peter Duffield (@PeterDuffield_) August 9, 2020
I will always wish you well I have been a Chelsea fan since the day I came to understand football and you are among those players that gave me joy at the bridge I pray I continue to see you on the pitch until you say is over for football.
— Akalam (@bobbysleek) August 9, 2020
But seeing you join Arsenal hurts
What a legend you been!! Tears to my eyes reading this :(.
— Greg Walker (@greggyw) August 9, 2020
Thank you Willian, you've been so important for us this season and a role model and an example on the field
— NiiNiiFC-BlueLionsTV (@NiiNiiFC) August 9, 2020
It's a shame a contract couldn't be agreed, but i'm sure you'll find success elsewhere
Thank you for your services
Please don't go Willian 😭😭💔💔
— Lamarr Assistant (@KingLamarr_) August 9, 2020
Thank you Willian for your hard work and dedication,thank you for the trophies wishing you all the best in your future endeavours-top guy!!! pic.twitter.com/CTP1c073bW
— AWiv(stay🏠) (@adamwood4iv) August 9, 2020
I cried reading Hazard's letter. Now you wanna make me cry too 😢😢😢 I love you✌
— Beuiance_ (@BeuianceG) August 9, 2020
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Thank you for the wonderful experience, Willian. Wishing you all the best in this new journey at Arsenal. Remember, once a blue, always a blue!
— Wale Adetona (@iSlimfit) August 9, 2020
Thanks for everything Willy. You've been a great servant to this club ♥
— Nouman (@nomifooty) August 9, 2020
God bless you Willian, loved you as a man & as a Chelsea player. Best wishes to you & your family.
— Mark Worrall (@gate17marco) August 9, 2020