Willian made the right decision in ripping up his contract and leaving Arsenal as “the project wasn’t there” under manager Mikel Arteta.
That is according to Willian’s agent Kia Joorabchian, who has been explaining why his client left the Gunners after just one year in north London.
The Brazilian has moved to Corinthians, where he began his career, after walking away from the final two years of his Arsenal contract.
Willian has not asked for a payout from the Gunners, despite being on over £100,000-a-week, and instead has left for free.
“He terminated his contract and he did it willingly, he’s probably one of the first players to do so,” Joorabchian told talkSPORT on Tuesday.
“Previously players, especially at Arsenal, have sat their contracts out, but he wasn’t one of them.
“When he joined, he sincerely joined because he was very much at the centre of Arteta’s thinking.
“Arteta made several presentations to Willian and made it clear he would be the focus point of how he would build the team around him.
“Willian had an offer from Chelsea to extend for two more years, but he wanted three years and he made the move. Unfortunately it didn’t work out for him.
“He was getting very heavily criticised over why he made the move here, but none of the things that have been suggested have been the case.
“I spoke to Arsenal. I had a meeting with Arteta and [technical director] Edu, they explained this has not gone well and I spoke to Willian.
“I don’t think it benefits any party to just let someone sit there for the sake of sitting there. When things go wrong, both sides should consider the fact it’s gone wrong and you need to find a solution.
“I think Willian did the right thing, he went for the project and the project wasn’t there.
“Unfortunately, I’d have to say, which player has moved to Arsenal that has not been a disaster in the last couple of years?”
