Chelsea made a last-second move for Willian three years ago, snatching him from under the noses of Tottenham Hotspur. The winger has discussed that day.
It’s even been written into a song sung on the terraces of Stamford Bridge. Back in 2013, Willian was on the verge of signing for Tottenham Hotspur, but he saw the light. He got the call from Abramovich and off he went to Stamford Bridge. The winger recently opened up about the frantic move in an interview with Chelsea TV.
Willian described the decision as one of the greatest in his life, given his lifelong dream to wear Chelsea blue.
"It was the best moment I think in my life when I signed with Chelsea because it was my dream to come here…Yes, it was difficult (to turn down Tottenham). But I didn’t sign. When at the last moment Chelsea call me, I say I’m sorry but I go to Chelsea, that’s my dream. I have to go there, I don’t care. I go there. – transcribed by the Mirror"
Willian has been one of the club’s most exciting players since he arrived in the summer of 2013. Meanwhile, his fantastic head of hair has just added to the flair of his tricky and high-paced game.
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He earnt the respect of Chelsea fans last season, being one of the few players to show any backbone during the disastrous campaign. The Brazilian was rightly rewarded with the 2015/16 Player of the Season award, although that was not saying much given the performances of his teammates.
This season has seen him take a bit of a back seat. Since switching to the 3-4-3, Willian has been marginalised while Pedro has impressed in a starting role.
Nevertheless, this has not dampened the winger’s morale. He has still contributed significantly to Chelsea’s ascent to the top of the Premier League, scoring three goals, including a neat finish against Manchester City last weekend.
Having said that, Willian will undoubtedly be eager to force his way back into the starting line-up. Pedro appeared to be taken off with an injury at the Etihad and hence an opportunity may arise against West Brom.
After a decent start to his Chelsea career, Willian won’t want to see it fade away just as the good times return. Conte has shown that he is willing to pick on form, instead of reputation, and thus grabbing his chances when they come is the best that Willian can do.
Even on the bench, though, life is much better at Chelsea than at Tottenham. Right?