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I Signed a £7.2m-a-year Deal to Join Arsenal – But Three Months Later I Wanted to Leave’

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2 days ago

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Summary

 

Willian’s move from Chelsea to Arsenal did not end well, with the Brazilian cutting ties with the club after his debut year in north London.

 

The Brazilian revealed why he wanted to leave the Emirates just three months after joining the Gunners in 2021.

 

Willian enjoyed a successful Premier League career at Chelsea prior to his disastrous move to Arsenal, lifting two Premier League titles.

 

Mikel Arteta was appointed as Arsenal manager in December 2019, and despite the Spaniard leading the North London club to greener pastures eventually, it wasn’t all rosy from the start. The former Manchester City assistant coach inherited a mess that had spiralled under previous boss Unai Emery, and the Gunners finished eighth in back-to-back campaigns at the beginning of his tenure.

 

Before the summer of 2021, where an evident strategy of acquiring young players who could grow together was put in place by the club’s hierarchy, Arteta and Edu Gaspar attempted a number of short-term fixes. The belief was that the squad was closer to the level of being capable of securing a Champions League place than it was in reality, and that all it needed was bolstering with a few bits of proven quality.

 

This short-termism saw a bumper new contract for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a contract extension for David Luiz and the signings of Thomas Partey and Willian. But the latter, who arrived from Chelsea, revealed that just months after agreeing to the move to the Emirates, he was desperate to leave the club, enduring a torrid time with the Gunners.

 

Related

 

Every Player Who Played for Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premier League (Ranked)

 

By Luke Collins

 

Why Willian Regretted Joining Arsenal

 



 

Turning 32 at the end of the 2019/2020 season, Willian was on the hunt for what would likely be the final substantial contract of his career. Having made over 300 appearances for Chelsea and having won multiple honours at Stamford Bridge, the prospect of continuing his love affair with the Blues would’ve been enticing.

 

Indeed, the option of a mega two-year deal was on the table, but Willian had another, more appetizing and lucrative contract proposal. Arsenal, eager to find a proven Premier League wide man who could nurture Bukayo Saka and help catapult them into the top four, offered the Brazilian a sensational £7.2-million a-year deal to swap West London for North London.

 

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Willian scored just one goal in his 37 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal, a free-kick against Sam Allardyce’s West Bromwich Albion.

 

The critical factor that convinced Willian to accept Arsenal’s offer was the length of the contract, with the Gunners offering an additional third year. Putting pen to paper on the remunerative deal, the creative forward became the first permanent signing of Arteta’s fledgling managerial career.

 

Visions of Willian leading a charge into the top four during the 2020/21 season certainly didn’t materialise, as Arsenal sat 17th at one stage in mid-December. The veteran winger quickly realised he’d made a mistake by accepting Arteta’s proposal, revealing in an interview on Rio Ferdinand’s Presents YouTube channel back in 2021 that he notified his agent just months into the season that he didn’t want to be at Arsenal anymore.

 

“I wasn’t happy, I wasn’t happy,” he said. “That’s why I didn’t perform. I don’t want to go into the details. When I arrived there I was happy, from the beginning I was motivated, I wanted to do well – new club, new mates, new project. But after three months, I said to my agent: ‘Please, I want to go’. I don’t want to speak bad about the club, because it is a big club. Arsenal has a big history.

 

“In football, big players played there before as well. But it didn’t work, it didn’t work. It was, of course, the most difficult time of my career.

 

“It was big money that I gave up [to leave Arsenal]. But sometimes money is not the most important thing in life. I think you need to be happy, get pleasure every day waking up in the morning to go to train. I wasn’t having that.

 

“So I said to myself, with my family, I cannot stay here, I am not happy here. I have to leave, find a way out, leave the club, because if I stay I am going to stay the same. For me, it’s unfair to stay in a place that you don’t want to stay just because of the money. For me, it was that.”

 

Ultimately cutting ties with the club at the end of his debut campaign in North London, having amassed 37 appearances in a red shirt and scored just once, Willian certainly won’t be remembered fondly by Arsenal fans, and has been named in the club’s worst eleven of the 21st century.

 

Willian’s Premier League Statistics for Arsenal

 

Appearances

 

25

 

Goals

 

1

 

Assists

 

5

 

Shots Per 90

 

1.28

 

Expected Goals Per 90

 

0.12

 

Key Passes Per 90

 

2.05

 

Expected Assists Per 90

 

0.15

 

Willian Enjoyed a Successful Career and is Still Playing

 



 

Arteta and Arsenal eventually learned their lessons from the Willian saga, identifying a host of younger players to sign and build around the following summer. As for Willian himself, his stint at the Emirates won’t overshadow what has been an overwhelmingly successful career, and a successful spell in English football.

 

Playing a prominent role in Chelsea teams between 2013 and 2020, the Brazil international netted 63 goals for the West Londoners, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and the Europa League. He also accumulated 70 caps for Brazil, and lifted an array of silverware at Shakhtar Donetsk.

 

joined Corinthians from Arsenal in 2021, but then returned to England with Fulham. Back in London he rediscovered a bit of form and earned another one-year contract before a short spell at Olympiacos in Greece, before coming back to Craven Cottage yet again in 2025.

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Sporting 0-1 Arsenal: Kai Havertz scores in stoppage time to clinch Champions League quarter-final first-leg win

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22 hours ago

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April 8, 2026

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Match report as Kai Havertz’s 91st-minute goal clinches a 1-0 win for Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting; David Raya made several vital saves; Gunners welcome Sporting to Emirates Stadium for second leg next week

Kai Havertz came off the bench and scored a 91st-minute winner as Arsenal clinched a 1-0 victory over Sporting in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon.

 

Just when it seemed a cagey game was heading for a stalemate, Havertz produced a brilliantly composed finish from fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli’s pass to give Arsenal a potentially crucial advantage ahead of next week’s second leg.

 

The Gunners were indebted to David Raya for keeping the scores level before that, with the goalkeeper having superbly tipped a Maxi Araujo shot onto the crossbar early in the game before making vital saves from Geny Catamo and Luis Suarez late on.

 

Player ratings

 

Sporting: Silva (6), Araujo (7), Inacio (6), Diomande (7), Fresneda (6), Morita (6), Simoes (6), Goncalves (6), Trincao (7), Catamo (7), Suarez (7)

 

Subs: Braganca (6), Nel (6)

 

Arsenal: Raya (9), White (7), Saliba (7), Gabriel (7), Calafiori (7), Zubimendi (7), Rice (7), Odegaard (7), Madueke (7), Trossard (6), Gyokeres (6)

 

Subs: Havertz (8), Martinelli (7), Dowman (6)

 

Player of the Match: David Raya

 

Arsenal had a Martin Zubimendi goal ruled out by VAR for an offside against Viktor Gyokeres but created few other chances before Havertz’s late strike clinched a classic European away win which included another show of defensive resilience.

 

 

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ARSENAL'

BREAKING NEWS: I have officially returned the Man of the match award to Him, although I made some crucial saves to kept us in the game but this particular player standout for us last night,I think the fans voted the wrong person”, David Raya has officially returned the Man of the match award to ONE Arsenal teammate who had 10/10 player rating last night

Published

1 day ago

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April 8, 2026

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Mikel Arteta and Kai Havertz agree on Arsenal weapon that will win them ‘big titles’

 

After Arsenal overcame Sporting CP in dramatic circumstances in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, Kai Havertz and Mikel Arteta agreed on their feelings around David Raya

 

 

 

Kai Havertz spoke highly about his team

 

Kai Havertz and Mikel Arteta truly believe Arsenal shot-stopper David Raya is currently ‘the best goalkeeper in the world.’ Havertz also insisted performances from players like Raya will keep the Gunners in the hunt for ‘big titles.’

 

The Arsenal goalkeeper was the man of the match in the Gunners’ huge 1-0 away victory over Sporting in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash. Havertz’s late goal inflicted a first home defeat in 20 matches on the Portuguese side and gave Arsenal the perfect platform to build on ahead of the second-leg next week.

 

 

While the German was the one who got the goal, the real match-winner was Raya. He made a huge save from Maximiliano Araujo, pushing his fierce effort onto the crossbar with his finger tips.

 

 

After Raya made many other key saves, Havertz and Arteta both said the ex-Brentford ace is the best shot-stopper on the planet right now.

 

Up to 70% off Arsenal kits and merch

 

In his post-match interview, Havertz said: “Unbelievable. I think [he is] still underestimated in the world of football. But for me, the last two seasons, [he is] the best keeper in the world. He’s outstanding, he’s saved us so many times and we’re very glad to have him.”

 

 

Arteta agreed with his midfielder, saying: “At the moment David is the best goalkeeper in the world. He has been phenomenal since he joined us and we are very lucky to have him.”

In the Champions League, Raya has kept seven clean sheets, only conceding three goals in 10 appearances.

 

 

His performance against the Portuguese heavyweights also summed up why so many thought he would have made a difference in the League Cup final loss to Manchester City.

 

Raya was also absent for the FA Cup quarter-final loss to Southampton, with Kepa Arrizabalaga also given the nod to face the Championship side, despite his mistake at Wembley. Raya’s performance in Sporting will surely cement his position in both the Premier League and the Champions League for the Gunners.

 

 

Raya was a brick wall in the Arsenal goal

 

While the FA Cup and the League Cup are now out of Arsenal’s reach, Havertz insisted he and his team-mates believe they can win the Premier League and the Champions League. He said: “Definitely a big turnaround for us because we lost the last two matches.

 

“So we wanted to get a turnaround today and we made that happened. We stick together as a group, we have so much more to come this season. Seven weeks to go, we can win big titles and we’re going to go for that.”

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ARSENAL'

brings you all the latest news as European quarter-finals take centre-stage, starting with the Champions League.

Published

1 day ago

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April 8, 2026

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Kai Havertz scored in second half stoppage time to hand Arsenal a big 1-0 win over Sporting in their first leg clash.

 

At the Bernabeu, Luis Diaz and Harry Kane were on target for Bayern Munich in a 2-1 win away at Real Madrid.

 

Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard joined talkSPORT Breakfast and spoke about who might replace Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s season, if he plans to return to management and the fantastic Kane.

 

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And Harry Maguire signed a new 12-month Manchester United contract, with an option for a further year.

 

 

7th Apr 2026, 22:47

By Robert Calcutt

Legendary

Manuel Neuer will undoubtedly be remembered as an all-time great.

 

He made his 136th start in the Champions League tonight for Bayern Munich.

 

This tally has equalled that of Lionel Messi for Barcelona.

 

Only Iker Casillas has made the most starts for a single club in the competition with 149 for Real Madrid.

 

Manuel Neuer with his Player of the Match award from Real Madrid v Bayern Munich.

7th Apr 2026, 22:37

By Robert Calcutt

High five

There will be at least five Premier League teams in the Champions League next season.

 

Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Sporting tonight has confirmed the extra place for England’s top flight.

 

The two best-performing leagues across the three European club competitions are awarded an extra spot by UEFA.

 

As per the season coefficient rankings, the Premier League are top.

 

Spain’s LaLiga look set to join them with a fifth spot.

 

If the 2025/26 Premier League season was to end now, Liverpool would qualify for the 2026/27 Champions League as they are fifth.

 

Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Aston Villa will also compete given they occupy the top four.

 

Champions League draw balls.

7th Apr 2026, 22:27

By Robert Calcutt

Happy Havertz

Kai Havertz is delighted to have scored the winner for Arsenal, but insists that the tie isn’t over.

 

The Gunners will take a 1-0 lead into the second leg against Sporting on April 15 thanks to his late finish.

 

“To score a late goal is always nice, especially in front of the fans and we take that result,” Havertz told Amazon Prime.

 

“Still a lot of work to do next week but we take the result, for sure.”

 

Speaking on their response to two consecutive defeats, he added: “Definitely a big turnaround for us because we lost the last two matches.

 

“So we wanted to get a turnaround today and we made that happened.

 

“We stick together as a group, we have so much more to come this season.

 

“Seven weeks to go, we can win big titles and we’re going to go for that.”

 

Kai Havertz celebrates for Arsenal against Sporting.

7th Apr 2026, 22:21

By Robert Calcutt

Stats interesting

With tonight’s action now over, here are some post-match stats.

 

Real Madrid 1-2 Bayern Munich

 

Bayern have beaten Madrid in the Champions League for the first time since April 2012. Victory at the Bernabeu has ended a run of nine winless matches – two draws and seven defeats.

Madrid have lost at home in the first leg of a two-legged knockout stage match in the Champions League for just the sixth time. It’s their first such result since the last 16 in 2020, and they did not progress from the previous five ties.

Sporting 0-1 Arsenal

 

Arsenal have scored eight Champions League goals this season via substitutes, with only Paris Saint-Germain netting more this season with ten.

Sporting have now lost all five of their Champions League knockout stage first-leg matches by an aggregate score of 0-17.

Arsenal after beating Sporting in the Champions League.

7th Apr 2026, 21:56

By Robert Calcutt

Full-time

It’s all over in Madrid and Lisbon!

 

Bayern Munich have claimed a huge away win in the first leg against Real Madrid.

 

Goals from Luis Diaz and Harry Kane give them a one-goal advantage for the second leg, whilst Kylian Mbappe netted for the hosts.

 

Sporting came agonisingly close to drawing with Arsenal.

 

But substitute Kai Havertz scored the winning goal for the Gunners in the first minute of stoppage time.

 

Bayern Munich celebrate after beating Real Madrid in the Champions League.

7th Apr 2026, 21:51

By Robert Calcutt

GOAL! – Sporting 0-1 Arsenal

Kai Havertz at the death!

 

Gabriel Martinelli sends a great ball over the top that finds the German, who slots it past the Sporting goalkeeper.

 

Surely that’s the winner for the Gunners? It is!

 

Kai Havertz scores for Arsenal against Sporting.

 

Real Madrid 1-2 Bayern Munich

Kylian Mbappe misses a great chance to level it.

 

The Frenchman goes for goal from distance, but it’s wide enough of the target for Manuel Neuer to just watch it fly past.

 

We’re now into four minutes of stoppage time.

 

 

Sporting 0-0 Arsenal

A big, big save from David Raya.

 

The Spaniard does so well to stop a Geny Catamo header from sneaking in at his near post.

 

Sporting earn themselves a corner, but nothing comes of it.

 

7th Apr 2026, 21:37

By Robert Calcutt

Sporting 0-0 Arsenal

Arsenal are making a couple of changes, and Max Dowman is coming on for the last 14 minutes or so.

 

Can the 16-year-old help find a breakthrough in this?

 

Gabriel Martinelli is also on, with Noni Madueke and Leandro Trossard going off.

 

 

GOAL! – Real Madrid 1-2 Bayern Munich

Real Madrid have pulled themselves back in this!

 

Trent Alexander-Arnold delivers a lovely ball across the face of goal, and Kylian Mbappe is there to convert it.

 

Madrid had to wait for goal line technology to confirm it, but it’s a huge goal on the night.

Sporting 0-0 Arsenal

Martin Zubimendi thinks he’s fired Arsenal in front.

 

The midfielder finds the back of the net from range.

 

But Viktor Gyokeres is way offside in the buildup and the goal is ruled out.

 

Real Madrid 0-2 Bayern Munich

Vinicius Jr misses a golden chance for Real Madrid!

 

Dayot Upamecano gives him a free run on goal as he heads the ball back and slips over.

 

Vinicius only has Manuel Neuer to beat and tries to go round him, but his effort ends up hitting the side netting.

 

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