Mikel Arteta convinced Willian to pen a three-year deal at Arsenal in the summer after stating his ambition to win the Champions League by 2023.
The Brazilian crossed London from Chelsea on a free to link up with the Gunners.
Eyebrows were raised at Arsenal giving the Brazilian, who is 32, a three year deal, but Willian outlined Arteta's grand plan for the north Londoners.
Optimism was high following their FA Cup success and the Arsenal boss was looking to return to Europe's top table before sealing Champions League success by the time Willian's contract was up.
The Gunners forward previously told The Sun : “One of the reasons I wanted a three-year deal was to be part of a plan, not just a player passing through.
“When I talked with the manager he told me why he needed me for three years.
“It was that he first wanted to qualify for the Champions League and win it by the time I left. That was what I wanted to hear.
“I was at Chelsea for seven years and won everything except the Champions League.
“Hopefully this move will give me the trophy I haven’t got as well as another Premier League title.”
Those ambitions have not gone to plan with Arsenal crashing out of the Europa League on Thursday night.
The competition was their last real chance of salvaging their season with Arteta's side languishing in ninth following an inconsistent campaign.
Arsenal are set to miss out on European football full stop unless they can put together a winning run in their final four games.
Arteta is now facing questions over his future with the Gunners, on paper at least, going backwards this season.
Despite that the Spaniard is adamant he is the right man to take the club forward.
