Willian has revealed the role David Luiz played in his move to Arsenal this summer.
The Brazilian duo have once again been reunited.
After playing together across Luiz's two spells at Chelsea, the pair were split up following Frank Lampard's arrival at Stamford Bridge just over a year ago as the defender sealed a somewhat surprise move to the Emirates Stadium.
Fast forward 12 months and they are teammates at club level again.
Willian, who makes his Arsenal debut in this afternoon's clash against Fulham, has admitted that Luiz played a key role in his decision to swap west London for north London.
"Yeah, a lot of times," Willian said. "He was one of the guys who put a lot of pressure for me to come.
"I have known him since we were eight years old.
"We have a great relationship, he is my brother and I love him."
Whilst Willian starts at Craven Cottage, there's no place in the squad for Luiz.
The centre-back is out with a neck injury, which means there's another debut for Gabriel Magalhaes as he lines up in a back three alongside Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney.
Meanwhile, Willian joins Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in attack.
