“I Regret Leaving Chelsea!”: Willian Opens Up About His Ill-Fated Arsenal Move

Former Chelsea star Willian has revealed his deep regret over leaving Stamford Bridge for Arsenal in 2020. In a candid interview, the 36-year-old winger, now playing for Olympiacos, reflected on his short and turbulent time at the Emirates, admitting it was one of the most challenging periods of his career.

Willian joined Arsenal on a three-year deal after his Chelsea contract expired, lured by the promise of a fresh challenge. However, his time with the Gunners was short-lived, as he left after just one season. “I wasn’t happy at Arsenal, and that’s why I didn’t perform,” Willian confessed in an interview with Rio Ferdinand. “From the beginning, I was motivated. A new club, new teammates, and a new project – I was excited. But after three months, I told my agent, ‘Please, I want to leave.’”

His struggles at Arsenal were evident. Despite making 25 Premier League appearances in the 2020/21 season, he managed just one goal and five assists. Meanwhile, Arsenal endured a disappointing campaign, finishing eighth in the league, while Chelsea celebrated a top-four finish and a Champions League triumph under Thomas Tuchel.

Reflecting on his decision, Willian admitted that leaving Chelsea was a mistake. “Looking back, I wish I had stayed at Chelsea,” he said. “It’s a decision I regret, but that’s life. You make choices, and not all of them work out as planned.”

The Brazilian spoke about the challenges of adapting to a new environment and how his expectations of Arsenal didn’t align with reality. “Arsenal is a great club with a rich history, but for me, it just didn’t feel right. I gave up a lot of money to terminate my contract because I couldn’t stay there any longer. Happiness and passion for football are more important to me than financial gain.”

Willian’s exit from Arsenal was one of mutual consent, with both parties agreeing to end his contract after just one year. His decision to walk away from a lucrative deal surprised many, but Willian stressed that it was necessary for his mental well-being. “I couldn’t wake up every day and feel unhappy about going to training. Football is my passion, and when that’s missing, it’s hard to give your best on the pitch.”

The winger’s comments have reignited discussions about Arsenal’s recruitment strategy and the challenges of signing established players from rival clubs. For Willian, his time at Arsenal stands as a cautionary tale about making moves that may not suit a player’s style or mindset.

In a separate interview last year, Willian expressed similar sentiments about his move away from Chelsea. “I had everything at Chelsea – success, stability, and happiness. Leaving was a mistake,” he admitted. “But at the time, I thought it was the right decision.”

Willian’s reflections underscore the emotional toll players endure when their career moves don’t pan out as expected. For him, the switch from Chelsea to Arsenal was not just a professional misstep but also a personal struggle that tested his love for the game.

Now at Olympiacos, Willian has found a sense of renewal and joy in football again. He believes his decision to prioritize happiness over money has paid off, even if it meant taking a step back from the Premier League spotlight.

“Life is about learning from your mistakes,” Willian said. “I’m enjoying my time in Greece now, and I’m grateful for the experiences – good and bad – that have shaped my journey.”

While Willian’s career continues abroad, his story serves as a reminder that not all high-profile transfers are a perfect fit. His time at Arsenal may not have gone as planned, but his openness about the experience offers valuable insight into the emotional and professional complexities of football at the highest level.

For Chelsea fans, Willian’s admission of regret is bittersweet. He remains fondly remembered for his contributions at Stamford Bridge, where he won multiple trophies, including two Premier League titles. His legacy at the club remains intact, even as he reflects on a decision that briefly took him away from the place he called home.

In the end, Willian’s journey highlights the importance of happiness and passion in football, values that transcend money and contracts. As he continues his career, his story serves as a poignant lesson for players and fans alike: sometimes, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.