Willian confirms Chelsea departure with open letter to fans

Willian has confirmed his departure from Chelsea in an open letter to the club's fans. The Brazilian winger's contract with the London side expires at the end of August, though the club offered him an extension and he has also been linked with a move to city rivals Arsenal. The 32-year-old has confirmed he will not stay on at Stamford Bridge and thanked the Blues supporters for their affection during his time there. "They were seven wonderful years. In August 2013 when I received the offer from Chelsea, I was convinced that this was where I had to play," Willian wrote. "Today I am certain that it was the best of decisions. There were so many happy times, some sad, there were trophies and it was always very intense. "Yet, beyond the trophies, I learnt a lot about myself. I developed a great deal, becoming a better player and a better person. With each training session, with each game, with every minute spent in the dressing room, I was always learning. "...