According to a report by Fabrizio Romano on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, former Chelsea winger Willian has opened up about what he considers one of the biggest mistakes of his football career, admitting that he regretted leaving Stamford Bridge for Arsenal just three months after completing his move to the North London club in 2020.

The Brazilian international made the revelation during an appearance on The Obi One Podcast, hosted by former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel. During the interview, Willian reflected on his departure from Chelsea, his expectations at Arsenal and the reasons his spell at the Emirates Stadium failed to meet his expectations.

Willian spent seven memorable years at Chelsea, where he became an important figure under several managers and helped the club win multiple trophies. His achievements included two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Europa League.

However, his future at Stamford Bridge became uncertain during the final year of his contract in 2020. Chelsea reportedly offered him a two-year extension, but the winger wanted a three-year agreement because he was approaching the latter stages of his career.

Arsenal eventually presented him with the opportunity he wanted, offering a three-year contract and the chance to remain in London with his family.

Willian explained that then Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta played a significant role in convincing him to join the club. According to the Brazilian, the Spanish tactician promised to make him a central figure in his project and build the team around his qualities.

Arteta reportedly told him that he would become the main man at Arsenal and would have considerable influence within the squad. Those assurances, together with the attractive contract, convinced Willian to accept the offer despite his strong emotional connection with Chelsea.

However, his experience at Arsenal was completely different from what he had anticipated.

Willian revealed that although he initially arrived at the Emirates with excitement and motivation, his enthusiasm quickly disappeared after encountering situations that did not match what he had been promised during negotiations.

The former Chelsea winger disclosed that by November 2020, barely three months after joining Arsenal in August, he had already informed his agent that he wanted to leave the club.

He admitted that he began questioning his decision because he was becoming increasingly frustrated with the environment and circumstances surrounding his new team.

Willian also explained that his unhappiness affected his performances because he struggled to produce his best football when he was not comfortable with the situation around him.

Despite describing his Arsenal contract as the best financial agreement of his career, the Brazilian stressed that the money could not compensate for his lack of happiness.

He also offered a balanced assessment of Arteta, acknowledging the manager's tactical knowledge and footballing ideas while suggesting that his approach to managing players lacked certain personal and human elements.

Willian eventually left Arsenal by mutual agreement in August 2021, ending his contract after just one season despite having two years remaining.

During his time with the Gunners, he made 37 appearances across all competitions and scored only one goal before returning to Brazil to join Corinthians.

His latest revelation has once again brought attention to his controversial decision to exchange Chelsea for Arsenal, particularly considering the success he enjoyed during his seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge.

For Chelsea supporters, Willian's admission will serve as a reminder of a former player who contributed significantly to the club's success before making a move he now wishes he had approached differently.