Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Willian ready to prove his worth at Chelsea following £32m switch

The Brazilian is eager to secure a place in the national squad for next summer's World Cup

Agency
Tuesday 10 September 2013 14:26 BST
Comments
Willian holds the Chelsea shirt after completing his £32m move
Willian holds the Chelsea shirt after completing his £32m move

Willian knows he will not be able to walk straight into the Chelsea first team, but is determined to make his mark at Stamford Bridge and cement a place at the 2014 World Cup with hosts Brazil.

Despite a deal having also been agreed with rivals Tottenham from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, the 25-year-old opted to instead join the Blues under new manager Jose Mourinho.

It is an opportunity the creative forward intends to meet full-on as he looks to force his way into contention with the likes of Eden Hazard, Oscar, Juan Mata, Ramires, Andre Schurrle and Kevin De Bruyne as he stakes his claim for a spot in the Brazil national team next summer.

In an interview with Brazilian media outlet Globo Esporte, Willian said: "I know that I haven't secured my spot here, but I will do my best to achieve that place, while respecting the other players.

"I will train, play and do my best to get the trust of the manager and of the fans.

"There is no doubt English football is very big, with huge visibility. I hope that helps me to be called up for the national team - but of course that depends on me.

"I will have to play and prove I deserve that spot. I first have to become a regular starter, then play well and be called up [by Brazil], this is my goal."

Chelsea have long tracked Willian, with Mourinho, who returned to Stamford Bridge earlier this summer, accepting the player would "need a bit of time to express himself" following the transition to the English game.

Willian is relishing the challenges ahead after finally securing his dream move.

"Things just happened. Chelsea came with an offer and everyone knows that I wanted to play for the club since I was at Shakhtar," he added.

"It shook me, but I didn't think twice. As both presidents (Suleyman Kerimov and Roman Abramovich) are friends, that helped too. It was a very easy negotiation.

"The Brazilians (at Chelsea) called me, especially David Luiz, who told me to come quickly. I was very happy to have them around and they will certainly help me a lot.

"I wanted to play at Chelsea, even more so now with Jose Mourinho, who is the best at what he does.

"When I had a day off, I came to watch the club's games, so I am more than happy for having made this transfer become true."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in