Willian Borges da Silva officially bid Chelsea F.C. goodbye not long after the Blues bowed to Bayern Munich in their Champions League clash. The Brazilian has long been rumored to be leaving Stamford Bridge with both sides failing to come to terms.
Willian penned a heartfelt message via his Instagram account, thanking fans for making his stay memorable. He did not see action in the Champions League match due to an injury. It is believed he will be soon signing with Arsenal F.C.
"They were seven wonderful years. In August 2013 when I received the offer from Chelsea, I was convinced that this was where I had to play," Willian said in the social media post. "Today I am certain that it was the best of decisions. There were so many happy times, some sad, there were trophies and it was always very intense."
Willian appeared in 339 matches overall since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2013. In that span, the 31-year-old won five major honors which included 2 Premier League and a Europa League title, BBC reported. He rose to prominence during his stay and now he hopes to continue his legacy with another club.
"There were so many happy times, some sad, there were trophies and it was always very intense," Willian said.
Willian's departure puts an abrupt end to his run with the Blues with both sides failing to agree on a new deal. The Brazilian was seeking a three-year term, aware that this may probably be the last time he can haggle for a long-term and lucrative pact.
Unfortunately, Chelsea stood firm on its practice of offering no more than two years to players aged above 30. Willian had once said that had the Blues offered him a three-year deal, he would have signed immediately. Arsenal is the favorite to land him with the Gunners ready to hand him his preferred deal. Aside from the Gunners, other teams who expressed interest in Willian include Barcelona, Inter Milan and Manchester United.
Blues coach Frank Lampard said he had no hard-feelings on Willian's decision. Lampard talked to management about the Brazilian's situation but failed. The 31-year-old is expected to announce his next club in the coming days.
"In terms of being disappointed, certainly as a club I think we have done everything we can to explain to Willian, and mine and his relationship is really close," Lampard said.
Willian was also indisposed in Chelsea's FA Cup final with Arsenal. Now, he hopes to recover from his injury and start fresh with his new club which most feel is Arsenal F.C.
