Ex-Chelsea and Arsenal winger Willian has cut short his spell for the Brazilian club, Corinthians. The Brazilian rejoined his boyhood club last year after spending nearly a decade and a half in Europe: Ukraine, Russia and England. He has annulled his contract by mutual consent with the Sau-Paulo-based club citing death threats to his family as the reason for his exit, making him a free agent. A return to the Premier League is doing the rounds, with newly-promoted Fulham a likely destination.
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Since returning to Time do Povo (The People’s Team), he has managed only one goal in his 45 appearances. The 34-year-old failed to lift the Brazilian giants as they crashed out of the Libertadores- South America’s premier club competition- to Rio bigwigs Flamengo in the quarter-finals. Down 2-0 to Atletico Goianiense in the Copa do Brasil quarters, they have it all to do in the second leg. But Willian won’t be around to help effect a turnaround.
Taking to Instagram, he announced his exit while thanking the club and its fans for their help and support:
“Saying goodbye to Corinthians today I want to thank the club for the opportunity to wear this shirt again and to the fans who largely supported me. Unfortunately due to the constant threats that my family and I suffered, I made the decision to terminate the contract, understanding that it would be better for me and the club. I wish the club all the best and may God bless everyone.”
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London remains a preferred destination, with his family residing in the English capital. It’s a city he is familiar with, having turned out for two of its most successful clubs. Twice league-winner with Chelsea, he also has FA Cup and Europa League silverware while at the club. His Arsenal years coincided with the North London club’s steady decline. A trophyless season later, he returned to Brazil.
