Willian endured a downturn in form after leaving Chelsea and joining Arsenal before an ill-fated return to his native Brazil, but he is back thriving in the Premier League
Marco Silva has claimed Willian is enjoying his life and football again – and is playing well enough to earn another contract at Fulham.
The former Chelsea and Arsenal star set a new record for a Brazilian of 265 Premier League appearances last weekend – breaking the record held by Manchester City legend Fernandinho. Willian, 34, won every domestic trophy and the Europa League with the Blues before an unhappy season with the Gunners.
And his return home to his first club Corinthians was cut short by “constant threats” to the 70-times capped international and his family. But the Samba star has refound his old rhythm by the banks of the Thames after signing a one-year deal in September.
And Willian has helped set the tone for last year’s Championship winners to sit in seventh place before Saturday’s visit to the Etihad Stadium. “He is a top-class player and he is enjoying his football again,” Silva said of the veteran.