Brazilian unveiled as latest Chelsea signing.
New Chelsea signing Willian has been confirmed as the club’s latest summer signing, and told their official website of his joy at sealing a move to Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old had been close to agreeing a move to Chelsea’s rivals Tottenham, though a late bid from Blues owner Roman Abramovich swayed the Brazil international into choosing a move to Stamford Bridge over White Hart Lane.
Arriving for £32million from Anzhi Makhachkala, Willian becomes the club’s fourth major signing of the summer, joining fellow new arrivals Andre Schurrle, Mark Schwarzer and Marco van Ginkel.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk man will face plenty of competition for places in the Chelsea squad, and his arrival has cast some doubt over the future of Spanish playmaker Juan Mata.
Willian, who will wear the number 22 shirt, said: “I’m very happy to be here, it’s been a dream of mine to come and play here.
“Chelsea are one of the best clubs in the world, and now I’m going to play for one of the best managers in the world, so I’m very happy and looking forward to it.”
The attacking midfielder will become the latest of a strong Brazilian contingent at Chelsea, fitting in nicely alongside his fellow countrymen David Luiz, Oscar and Ramires.
Some rumours suggest that he could soon be joined by former Anzhi team-mate Samuel Eto’o, who has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea.