Willian saves Arsenal £ 20m by leaving the club to join Brazil’s Corinthians on a free transfer.
Willian has two years left on his £ 240,000-a-week Arsenal contract but instead of staying in the Emirates or demanding a withdrawal, he will terminate his contract and sign with Corinthians within the next 48 hours.
In addition to saving Arsenal £ 20million, the 33-year-old is taking a 70 percent pay cut to return to his former club.
The Arsenal directors are said to be astonished by Willian’s gesture.
Willian has been an exemplary professional since joining the Premier League eight years ago and wants to leave English football with his head held high.
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The Brazilian accepts that his move from Chelsea to Arsenal last summer didn’t work out and he wishes everyone at the club all the best for the future.
Earlier this week, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed that Willian had discussions about a move to Corinthians.
“We are having some discussions with him and the agent and assessing the position we are currently in,” said Arteta ahead of Saturday’s 5-0 defeat by Premier League champions Manchester City.
“I do not know [why it hasn’t worked out for him here].
“Right now he’s an Arsenal player and we’re trying to get the best out of him while he’s here. Anything different can happen.”
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