WILLIAN MAKES TRANSFER U-TURN AS EX-ARSENAL AND CHELSEA STAR REJECTS PREMIER LEAGUE DEAL

Willian has joined Greek club Olympiacos, 12 months after pulling the plug on a move at the last minute.

The 36-year-old was close to a move last summer which would have seen him leave Fulham to spend a year with Nottingham Forest and a further 12 months at the Piraeus-based team. Evangelos Marinakis owns both Forest and Olympiacos, and appeared prepare to offer a unique deal to the Brazil international.

Former Arsenal and Chelsea star Willian was reported to be undergoing a medical with Forest, but ultimately stayed at Craven Cottage for another year. He made 31 Premier League appearances last term, scoring four goals and contributing two assists.

After leaving Fulham as a free agent this summer, he was able to make his Olympiacos move after all. The club will play Europa League football next season, having won the 2023-24 Europa Conference League

"I would like to thank Fulham for a wonderful two years," Willian wrote in August after confirming he wouldn't extend his stay with the London club. "It was special to return to the Premier League and be part of this historic club and the amazing fans.

"I have had incredible moments and this club will always be in my heart. I would like to thank Tony Khan the chairman and the Fulham board for all the respect and affection they have shown me the last two years.

"A very special thank you to our coach Marco Silva who showed me a lot of belief and gave me the confidence throughout the time we were together. I wish Fulham the best of luck in their upcoming challenges and hope I will get a chance to support the team live in the future"

How will Willian get on at Olympiacos? Have your say in the comments section

Willian spoke to club media upon completing his Olympiacos move. "It's an amazing feeling for me and I just want to say thank God, thanks to my family that always supported me, and also thanks to the owner who was always amazing with me," he said.

"We have a great relationship and now I'm really happy to be here, and I can't wait to start training and playing with the guys. I had a great ambition, I know how big this club is.

"[It's] a club that has ambition to fight for more. I know that they achieved a good thing last season that was to win the Conference League and I'm sure this club wants to win more. I'm here also to be a part of it, and I'm fully happy and motivated to start.

"It's a top club, top stadium, top facilities. Everyone in the club, the people are amazing. I thank them very much for the warm welcome and, as I said, I'm excited to start and I can't wait for that."

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2024-09-03T05:57:31Z dg43tfdfdgfd