Willian happy he turned down Tottenham for Chelsea

Matt Stead

Willian has explained why he was happy to turn down Tottenham in order to move to Chelsea in 2013.

The Brazilian winger moved to Stamford Bridge for £30million in summer 2013, signing from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

The 28-year-old had been a target of Liverpool, but also of Tottenham, who were further ahead in negotiations.

A move to White Hart Lane was close to completion, before Chelsea swooped in with a dramatic late bid.

“I don’t know how I can explain that moment,” Willian told Chelsea’s YouTube channel. “But it was the best moment I think in my life when I signed with Chelsea because it was my dream to come here.

“When I came I am very, very happy to play for Chelsea, to win titles here, so I am very, very happy.

“Yes, it was difficult. But I didn’t sign. When at the last moment Chelsea call me I say I’m sorry but I go to Chelsea, that’s my dream.

“I have to go there, I don’t care. I go there.”