EPL: Willian pleads with Arsenal fans as he departs for Brazil

Willian has apologised to Arsenal fans for not living up to their expectation at the club.

The Brazilian tore up his contract at the Emirates Stadium and now set to leave the club.

In a lengthy statement after his exit was confirmed by Arsenal, the Brazil international apologised for his disappointing one-year spell.

The Brazilian still had two years remaining on his £200k-a-week contract, but decided to forgo it as he rejoins boyhood team Corinthians.

The Brazil international also had a message for those who think he joined Arsenal for the sake of money.

Willian scored just one goal for Arsenal having arrived at the Emirates on a free transfer from Chelsea back in August 2020.

“I would like to thank Arsenal for the opportunity they have given to me and for the warm welcome received by everybody at the club,’ Willian said.

“Unfortunately, things on the pitch didn’t go the way we had all planned and hoped. I received a lot of criticism especially from some members of the press that I had come here for financial reasons… I hope my actions today explain to those people and they now understand that was not the case.

“I hope it teaches some people that they should not be so quick to pass judgement and create bad environments to make themselves important even though I accept that’s part of the game.

“All my career, I have done everything to be the best I can be. I always want to win and I find it hard to accept not doing so. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen for me at Arsenal and I am sorry about that.

“I came to England in 2013 and I have enjoyed every minute of my time here. I want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way to play in this wonderful league that is full of heart and spirit.

“To the Arsenal fans, I am sorry we never got to meet properly due to the pandemic but I know your desire for success and your support for the club is incredible; so I wish you all the best for the future because you deserve it.

“To everyone else involved with this historic club, I wish you all the best for the future.”