MONEY FOR NOTHING
Willian has admitted he was ‘unhappy’ at Arsenal and left because ‘there are some things money can’t buy’.
The 33-year-old Brazilian’s ill-fated spell at the Emirates began in August 2020, when he signed from rivals Chelsea on a three-year deal, after making 339 appearances for the Blues over seven years at the club.
But after just one season and 37 appearances for the Gunners, Willian cut his stay in north London short and parted ways with Arsenal by mutual consent in August 2021.
He then rejoined boyhood club Corinthians, after leaving aged 19 in 2007 to join Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donestk, having come through the Brazilian club’s academy.
The 70-cap Brazil international told Brazilian sports TV programme Arena SBT: “My year at Arsenal was a bit complicated. I really couldn’t adapt to the club. I wasn’t happy there.
“To make it very clear too, it wasn’t the club that wanted me to leave. I wanted to leave the club. I expressed my feeling, said I wasn’t happy.
“I said I wanted to look elsewhere, another place to play. And so there was this decision to leave.
“There are things in life that money can’t buy, money doesn’t pay for.
“You have joy, happiness, peace, a solid family. I think this is the most important thing for me.”