Arsenal on Friday announced the signing of Brazil forward Willian Borges da Silva on a free transfer after he departed Chelsea earlier this month.
Willian has signed a three-year-deal with the Gunners, having previously rejected a two-year-deal with Chelsea.
The 32-year-old arrives at the Emirates having spent seven years at Stamford Bridge, where he he won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and the Europa League. He made 339 appearances, with 63 goals and 56 assists in that time.
He expressed his delight at signing for Arsenal, saying he was keen to help them fight for titles.
“[I like] the way they play, everything is amazing – the stadium, and I think that with Arteta, Arsenal have a great opportunity to fight again for titles in the Premier League and in Europe so I’m very happy because of that,” Willian told Arsenal Digital.
“I’m excited to start. I can’t wait to go on the pitch and do my thing to help my team-mates and to help this club to shine again. That’s what I want.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed the Brazilian’s versatility, saying he would contribute to the Gunners’ quest for glory.
“I believe he’s a player that can really make a difference for us,” said Arteta after the announcement of the deal. “We have been monitoring him for the past few months, we had a clear intention to strengthen in the attacking midfielder and the winger positions [and] he is a player that gives us a lot of versatility, he can play in three or four different positions. He has the experience of everything in the football world but to still have the ambition to come here and contribute to bring the club where it belongs. I have been really impressed with all the talks I have had with him and how much he wanted to come.”
Willian also received a heap of praise from Arsenal technical director Edu, who said he would be an important addition in the dressing room.
“He has a lot of fantastic attributes as a person, as a football player of course, his character. I’m 100 per cent sure that everybody in the dressing room, the fans, myself and Mikel will enjoy having Willian in our side,” he said.
🆕 New club. New colours. New beginnings.
👋 Welcome to The Arsenal, @WillianBorges88! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/B7Tl01BXLe
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 14, 2020
