Willian bids farewell to Chelsea fans with a heartfelt open letter

Willian has penned an open letter to Chelsea fans as he confirmed his exit from the club after seven years.

The midfielder was offered a contract extension by Chelsea but he turned it down, and now looks certain to join London rivals Arsenal on a free transfer.

“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,” wrote Willian on his personal Twitter account.

“Today I am certain that it was the best of decisions. There were so many happy times, some sad, there trophies and it was always very intense.

“Yet beyond trophies, I learn 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 trated 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!”