Willian admits he still holds the Chelsea faithful in high-regards following his goal against them for Fulham yesterday.
Speaking to the club media after Marco Silva’s men claimed a rare local derby victory, Willian was asked to comment on facing his former side.
The Brazilian was reunited with the Blues once again, nearly three-years after leaving Stamford Bridge.
He made the short trip across town to Arsenal in 2020, a transfer that was turn upside down by terrible form and torturous performances.
His spell at the Emirates lasted just one season, before briefly returning to Brazil for a stint at Corinthians.
Willian was back in London almost instantly, with Fulham signing him as a free-agent last summer.
Willian wacks Chelsea
Putting his anguish as an Arsenal failure behind him, the 34-year-old has been a brilliant addition to Silva’s squad.
Chelsea could only wish to possess a player enjoying such a purple patch in their ranks.
Unfortunately, they were forced to face the man in form last night at Craven Cottage.
Several of Graham Potter’s team should’ve been well aware of Willian’s abilities heading into the fixture.
Yet, Cesar Azpilicueta failed to sufficiently close his old co-worker down and prevent him from slotting into the far corner to put Fulham in the lead.
This goal was a carbon copy of the one Chelsea supporters saw on numerous times across the forward’s seven-year status as a Blue.
Willian will always be a Blue
Despite his presence as a rival, those travelling contingent still showed their appreciation for the attacker after he was subbed off in the second-half.
“It was amazing. As I said, special night, special game. I was there (at Chelsea) seven years, I have a big respect for them, for the club and for all the fans as well. Now I play for Fulham, so I have to do my best,” said Willian in his post-match interview.
Conceding to someone cut from their own cloth was not the only pain Chelsea had to suffer on Thursday.
They lost their fifth Premier League game in seven last night, a defeat carved out by those from the capital.
Willian’s goal got Fulham on their way, before ex-Tottenham Hotspur striker Carlos Vinicius headed home the winner.
Arsenal’s past goalkeeper Bernd Leno was on hand to make some vital saves to keep the Cottagers well in the tie.
Leno denied Joao Felix a few times, who’s bright Chelsea debut ended with a red card.
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