Willian has spoken for the first time since his move to Arsenal on a free transfer was announced on Friday morning [August 14].
Following the expiration of his Chelsea contract, the 32-year-old has signed for the Gunners on a three-year deal which is expected to be worth near £100,000-a-week.
Speaking to club media, the Brazilian highlighted Mikel Arteta as a key reason in his decision to move across London and gave an insight into the versatility that made the Spaniard want to sign him.
"[I like] the way they play, everything is amazing - the stadium, and I think that with Arteta, Arsenal have a great opportunity to fight again for titles in the Premier League and in Europe so I'm very happy because of that," Willian told Arsenal Digital.
"I'm excited to start. I can't wait to go on the pitch and do my thing to help my team-mates and to help this club to shine again. That's what I want.
"When I talked to [Mikel], the conversation was good, he gave me confidence to come to Arsenal. He said a lot of good things to me and that's why I have come to Arsenal."
Willian was then asked about where he would play in Arteta's side.
"Haha, that's a difficult question - I don't know!" he said. "I leave that to Arteta [what position he plays]. I come to help in every position.
"I can play on the right, I can play in the middle, I can play on the left side as well. So I want to help - in any position where they put me to play, I will try to do my best."
Racking up over 600 appearances in club football, the experience Willian will bring to the young Arsenal squad was seen as a major factor in the club's decision to sign him and Arteta addressed this himself after the signing was announced.
“I believe he’s a player that can really make a difference for us," the Arsenal head coach said.
"We have been monitoring him for the past few months, we had a clear intention to strengthen in the attacking midfielder and the winger positions [and] he is a player that gives us a lot of versatility, he can play in three or four different positions.
"He has the experience of everything in the football world but to still have the ambition to come here and contribute to bring the club where it belongs. I have been really impressed with all the talks I have had with him and how much he wanted to come."
