Willian joined Chelsea from the then-rich Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala back in August 2013 for around £30 million and developed into a star for the Blues, scoring 22 goals in 151 games and producing extremely consistent performances.
That said, it was widely documented that, prior to moving to Stamford Bridge, Willian had been targeted by Tottenham to be Gareth Bale’s replacement and, as reported by The Guardian, the winger even completed a medical at White Hart Lane.
Following the Brazilian’s decision to snub Spurs in favour of Chelsea at the last minute, the north London club were left fuming, and now the 28-year-old has revealed why he rejected them and also what he told them as their bitter rivals hijacked a big-money move from under their noses.
In an interview with Chelsea’s official YouTube channel, Willian admitted that, while it was difficult to reject Tottenham, it was his personal dream to sign for Chelsea.
Talking about the summer of 2013, an in particular, his contact with Spurs, he said: “It was difficult. In that moment, there was only Tottenham to go to, but I didn’t sign.
“When at the last moment Chelsea came in, I said (to Spurs) ‘I’m sorry, but I go to Chelsea – that’s my dream and I have to go there. I don’t care. I go there’.”
Willian added: “I think it was the best moment of my life when I signed with Chelsea because it was my dream to come here.”
Check out the full video with Chelsea’s 2015-16 Fans’ Player of the Year below, and see where he reveals what he told Spurs from around 6:30:
Willian was given compassionate leave by the west London club following the death of his mother in October but, due to Chelsea’s stunning form in recent weeks, he has struggled to regain his place in Antonio Conte’s starting XI.
World Cup winner Pedro and the sensational Eden Hazard have supported top scorer Diego Costa in attack, and between them, they have scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists during the 2016-17 campaign.
However, Willian could soon be about to receive a starting berth, seeing as he came off the bench to put Chelsea ahead in their key 3-1 win at Manchester City last weekend.