‘It’s hard to play’ – Fulham star makes Anfield admission after rejecting Liverpool for move to London

Willian has revealed he picked Chelsea over Liverpool 10 years ago due to it being his ‘dream’ to sign for the London club.

The Brazilian star was a target for the Reds during the 2013 summer transfer window, with Tottenham Hotspur also showing interest in the then Anzhi Makhachkala star. Late interest from Chelsea scuppered deals for both Liverpool and Spurs, with Willian heading to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth £30million.

Remaining in the capital for seven years, the 34-year-old proved to be a major hit and was a key part of two Premier League title wins in the space of two seasons. Willian was again linked with an Anfield switch after leaving Chelsea in 2020, though has maintained his theme of living in London after representing Arsenal and now Fulham.

Reflecting on how things could have turned out differently in his career, the 2019 Copa America winner told Premier League Brasil: “I went to London and Liverpool and Tottenham were interested. I was negotiating with both, not Chelsea. And in my heart the dream was to go to Chelsea.

“Proposals came from both of them and, as I wanted to stay in London, I decided that I’d go to Tottenham. Chelsea made an offer and I didn’t think twice. It was something I really wanted, with all due respect to Tottenham, who are also a great club, but my dream was to play for Chelsea.”

Liverpool may well have missed out on recruiting Willian, though it is clear to see he has great respect for the Reds regardless. Discussing the best stadium atmosphere he has experienced during his lengthy career, he said: “The most difficult environment to play and, at the same time, pleasant for the atmosphere, is Anfield, Liverpool’s stadium. The crowd is close, it’s hard to play. The Camp Nou is full too, when Barcelona are doing well, it’s very difficult.”