Willian has told his former Chelsea employees his mindset going into the games against them this season now he is at rivals Fulham.
The 34-year-old made his Premier League return in the latter stages of the summer transfer window as Marco Silva believed the Arsenal flop still had it in him to produce on the highest stage.
So far, his prediction has come true as the former Chelsea winger has responded to his two most recent disastrous moves with an impressive outing at the City Ground vs Nottingham Forest, a game in which he assisted Tosin Adarabioyo's headed goal.
“The first two or three sessions at Fulham were very different and something I had to get used to again," he said to The Athletic in regards to the intensity of training back on England. “They were different from what I was doing in Brazil. Over there, the football is calmer. Here it is more strong, fast. I had to adapt again but it’s been great for me. I am very happy to be here.
“Before I signed, I had some conversations with the manager about everything — the positions I can play, the way the team is playing. He is a very good coach and also a nice guy.
READ MORE: Willian reveals the one Chelsea player Todd Boehly was right to keep amid transfer uncertainty
"I can play everywhere, on the left flank, the right and as a No 10 as well. At Chelsea, I played more on the right but I don’t have a problem where I play.
“We are doing well at the moment, the team is playing good. It’s a club that can’t keep going up, down, up and down again. This year, Fulham can do good things, first of all by staying in the Premier League and then fighting for a good position in the table.
“One of my motivations is to help them become an established team in the Premier League. I’m a player who always wants to compete, fight for something. That’s why I also want Fulham to fight for something.”
He added on his inspiration to follow in the shoes of one Chelsea player, in particular: “I have a lot more to show. I can still play at a good level. That’s why I wanted to come back to England because I know I can play for at least another two or three years here. I’m 34 now but still have a lot to offer.
“My primary focus is not proving it to those who doubt me. I need to prove it to myself and the people around me, my family and friends. I want to prove myself every day, in training, every game, that I can still play at a high level.
“How long do I think I can play for? Maybe until I’m 39-40. I’m going year by year. Playing in the Premier League is difficult to play until you’re 40. But I look at Thiago Silva. He’s 38. He’s playing good. He is an inspiration for me. We are close and we will hang out in London together now I am back.”
Having spent just over seven years in the capital with Chelsea and notching 125 goal contributions over that time, Willian's name is still held in high regard by the Blues fanbase. His homecoming to Stamford Bridge at the start of February 2023 and the re-arranged Craven Cottage fixture, which was postponed due to the death of her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, these two fixtures will certainly be of high emotion to not only the supporters but the player himself.
However, he's under no illusion where his loyalties lie for these two games in the west London derby this season. “I won’t have a problem. If I have to score against them, I will score. I won’t celebrate, I have to respect them.
"I was there for seven years, I have big respect for the club and the fans. But I will still play my hardest against them and do my best for Fulham. The supporters have made me and my family feel so welcome. I really appreciated the response I got from them when I signed. I want to repay them.”
Chelsea fans- Is it destined for Willian to score against Graham Potter's side when the two face off? Leave your predictions in the comments section below!
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