Former Arsenal winger, Willian, has admitted that he could never ‘adapt’ to playing at the Emirates.
The Brazilian, who spent seven years in London with Chelsea before moving to the Gunners, was heavily criticised by fans and pundits alike during his time at the club.
Although he had a contract with the north London outfit until 2023, Willian came to an agreement with the club to leave two years early.
He decided to move back to where it all began for him by joining Corinthians and he even reportedly took a huge pay cut to make the move happen.
Following a 2-1 derby win over Palmeiras at the weekend, the 33-year-old explained why he felt he had to leave Mikel Arteta’s project behind.
“My year at Arsenal was a bit complicated. I really couldn’t adapt to the club. I wasn’t happy there,” Willian told Arena SBT, via Sport Witness.
“To make it very clear too, it wasn’t the club that wanted me to leave. I wanted to leave the club.
“I expressed my feeling [and] said I wasn’t happy. I said I wanted to look elsewhere, another place to play. And, so there was this decision to leave.”
Willian continued by implying that his move was never about money, and that he just never felt settled at the Emirates.
“There are things in life that money can’t buy, money doesn’t pay for. You have joy, happiness, peace, a solid family. I think this is the most important thing for me.”
Willian’s move to Corinthians looks to be positive for all parties concerned, with both no doubt wishing the other well for the future.
