Agent blames Arsenal for Willian failure as exit confirmed
The agent of Brazilian winger Willian believes his client is not to blame for a troublesome spell at Arsenal.
Willian joined the Gunners on a free transfer in August last year after deciding to leave London rivals Chelsea.
But his one and only season at the Emirates did not go as planned. Willian managed just one goal in 37 appearances in all competitions, as Mikel Arteta’s side finished eighth in the table.
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His contract, rumoured to be worth £240,000 a week, led to criticism aimed at the club from fans and pundits alike.
Willian has now left Arsenal to join Brazilian outfit Corinthians. He became a free agent on Monday after his contract was terminated by mutual consent.
On the departure, agent Kia Joorabchian said (via talkSPORT): “He terminated his contract and he did it willingly, he’s probably one of the first players to do so.
“Previously players, especially at Arsenal, have sat their contracts out, but he wasn’t one of them.
“When he joined, he sincerely joined because he was very much at the centre of Arteta’s thinking.
“Willian had an offer from Chelsea to extend for two more years, but he wanted three years and he made the move. Unfortunately it didn’t work out for him.
“He was getting very heavily criticised over why he made the move here, but none of the things that have been suggested have been the case.”
Joorabchian appeared to suggest that Arsenal were partly to blame for Willian’s failure, calling it ‘just one part of the puzzle’.
“I think Willian did the right thing, he went for the project and the project wasn’t there,” he added.
“Unfortunately, I’d have to say, which player has moved to Arsenal that has not been a disaster in the last couple of years? That one I speak as a fan.
“I don’t think this is about Willian. I think something has gone wrong [at Arsenal] and this is just one piece of the puzzle.
“Nobody blames Arteta, we all want Arteta to do well. Even as fans, they might be disgruntled at the moment but they want the best for the football club. Willian wants all the success for Arteta and this Arsenal team.”