Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has revealed that he tried to bring fellow countryman Willian back to Stamford Bridge after he signed for the club back in the summer of 2020. Willian is a long closed chapter at Chelsea, after he left the club in the same window during which Thiago Silva arrived at the club. The winger left the Blues for free and moved to north London with Arsenal on a three-year deal.

However, since leaving Chelsea, Willian has evidently lost his touch, failing to deliver at the Emirates Stadium which forced the Gunners to terminate his contract just after 12 months he signed it. The Brazilian then joined Corinthians on a short spell before returning to England with Fulham at the start of this season in what became his third free transfer in two years.

Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva has revealed how he tried to bring back Willian to Chelsea. Credits: Twitter

‘I tried to bring him back to Chelsea’ – Thiago Silva opens up on his failed attempt to bring back Willian

Willian left a special legacy at Chelsea after bidding them farewell in 2020. That ended his seven-year spell at the club, wherein he made a staggering 339 appearances, amassing 63 goals and 62 assists. The winger also helped the Blues to five trophies, including two Premier League titles and a Europa League. However, not only he delivered goals and assists and titles at Chelsea, Willian also mesmerised them with some scintillating moments from time to time.

However, Willian and Chelsea’s association ended in the summer of 2020, after apparently the club wasn’t interested in extending a soon-to-be 33-year-old’s lucrative contract. He subsequently joined Chelsea’s local rivals Arsenal on a free transfer. While Willian moved out of the exit door, Thiago Silva walked in through entry gate at Stamford Bridge. He has now revealed how he attempted to convince Willian to return to Chelsea. Silva told ESPN Brasil:

“Willian is special. I have a special affection for this kid, as a player and off the pitch as a person. Before he left for Corinthians [in August 2021], I tried to bring him back to Chelsea. But unfortunately, things didn’t advance much ahead, they didn’t work.

Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva talked about his ‘special affection’ for the ex-Chelsea star and hence wanted him back at the Stamford Bridge. Credits: Twitter

“I knew he was a very important player. In our first game, he scored a goal against us, he’s having important performances with Fulham. Hopefully on Friday, he will be much calmer.”

While Willian apparently rejected the idea of returning to Chelsea, he did made a comeback to the Premier League with Marco Silva’s Fulham in the summer. However, this move, unlike the Arsenal one rather looks to be working since the 34-year-old has so far managed an impressive 2 goals and 3 assists in 14 league games for the Cottagers helping them sit seventh in the table, in contention for European football.

Meanwhile, Thiago Silva joined the Blues on a free transfer in the summer of 2020 from PSG. The defender, despite being 36 at that time helped Chelsea win the Champions League in his debut season itself. Silva quickly became a fan favourite at the Bridge, also winning the confidence of the board who extended his deal through this season. He is again in line to be rewarded with a contract extension after roaring in full throttle at the club.