Willian has joined Fulham... just a year after claiming he left Arsenal because he found it hard to accept not winning on a regular basis.
The Brazil international, 34, has signed a one-year deal at newly promoted Fulham after leaving Corinthians earlier this month. It's his third club in the Premier League following a successful seven-year spell at Chelsea and a nightmare 12-month stint at Arsenal.
Willian has returned to London only 12 months after agreeing a two-and-a-half-year contract with Corinthians. Few expected him to play in England again due to his age, but he's made a comeback and will be aiming to keep Fulham in the Premier League.
"I’m happy to be here, I’m happy to be back in the Premier League," Willian told Fulham's website. "Fulham is a special club, a club that wants to improve, that wants to fight for something bigger, so I’m here to help, and I cant wait to get started."
Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan added: "I’m very happy that Willian has officially signed with Fulham.
"He’s been impressive during his recent training sessions with our squad, and we believe that adding a player of Willian’s quality and someone with his vast experience will strengthen the club as we work to build on the strong start that we’ve had to this Premier League season! Come on Fulham!"
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Willian arrives at Fulham with 70 senior international caps and 15 club honours to his name - including four Ukrainian Premier League titles, two Premier League titles and two Europa Leagues. He was also part of the Brazil squad that won the Copa America in 2019.
The Brazilian started his career at Corinthians before moving to Europe in 2007, joining Shakhtar Donetsk. After a brief spell at Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, he moved to Chelsea in 2013 and remained there until he joined Arsenal on a free seven years later.
Willian's return to the Premier League is surprising after the comments he made on his Arsenal departure. Although the winger won plenty of trophies and scored 63 goals at Chelsea, he found the net just once in 37 games during his only season at the Emirates.
Speaking in August 2021, Willian said: "All my career I have done everything to be the best I can be. I always want to win and I find it hard to accept not doing so. Unfortunately it didn't happen for me at Arsenal and I am sorry about that.
"I came to England in 2013 and I have enjoyed every minute of my time here. I want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way to play in this wonderful league that is full of heart and spirit."
Willian is likely to win even fewer games at Fulham, unless it's in the Championship. Fulham were promoted in May and are aiming to re-establish themselves in the Premier League. They are almost certain to finish behind Arsenal this term, unless something remarkable happens. The Gunners defeated Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates last weekend.
