Willian has confirmed he will be leaving Chelsea this summer as the Brazilian calls an end to his seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
The attacker’s future has been in the balance for some time, with negotiations drawn out over the renewal of his contract and the winger looking for a three-year deal amid interest from London rivals Arsenal.
And the 32-year-old has confirmed that he will not play for the Blues next season, penning an emotional open letter to Chelsea fans on his Instagram account.
“They were seven wonderful years,” he wrote. “In August 2013 when I received the offer from Chelsea, I was convinced that this was where I had to play.
“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.
“Yet, beyond the trophies, I learnt a lot about myself. I developed a great deal, becoming a better player and a better person.
“With each training session, with each game, with every minute spent in the dressing room, I was always learning.
“I am really grateful to the Chelsea fans for the affectionate way they welcomed me at Stamford Bridge and their support throughout my time at the club.
“There was also criticism, which is normal, what is important though is that both the affection and criticism drove me to always give my all in every training session, every game, to be constantly improving until my very last minute in a Chelsea shirt!
“The time has now come to move on. I am certainly going to miss my teammates. I will miss all the staff at the club who’ve always treated me like a son and I will miss the fans.
“I leave with my head held high, safe in the knowledge that I won things here and always did my best in a Chelsea shirt!
“My heartfelt thanks go out to all of you and God bless you!”
Willian’s Chelsea exit had been on the cards after it emerged that he had reportedly rejected a two-year extension, seeking a three-year contract with the club.
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