Ryan Smart
Former Arsenal winger Willian has claimed that he 'doesn't need to prove anything' as current side Fulham prepare to take on another of his former clubs, Chelsea, this weekend.
The Cottagers have adapted well to life back in the Premier League this season under Marco Silva. They are in seventh place on 31 points, ahead of Liverpool and Chelsea ahead of this weekend's fixtures.
Part of that success has down to the form of Willian, who made a surprise return to the Premier League at the beginning of the season from Brazilian giants Corinthians.
He has scored two goals and provided two assists in 14 appearances, and has refound some of the form that made him one of the division's top wingers during his time at Chelsea.
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The 34-year-old, who is now the most experienced Brazilian in English top flight history in terms of matches played, won every domestic trophy at Chelsea and the Europa League.
He was a key player under the management of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, in particular, before departing Stamford Bridge in 2020 to join Arsenal.
But despite providing two assists on his Gunners debut, Willian's time at Arsenal was not a success, and his contract was terminated by mutual consent after one season.
He walked away from the final two years of his reported £220,000-a-week deal at the Emirates, and explained that he left the club to 'pursue happiness' again.
Now, as he prepares to face Chelsea on Saturday, the Brazilian says he has nothing to prove from that season at Arsenal.
Speaking about his move to Craven Cottage and the ending of his spell at Arsenal, Willian told The Times: "I know people thought, 'Willian is finished now, he's 34.' But I'm still playing good football, still enjoying myself on the pitch and I have more to come, hopefully.
"I don't need to prove anything to anybody. It is just to myself, for the people that love me, for Fulham supporters, for the people that work in the club, for my team-mates."
He has far more fond memories of Chelsea than Arsenal, and said of his return to Stamford Bridge this weekend: "It will be a special night for me to be back at the Bridge. I spent seven years at Chelsea, amazing years. It was the best years of my career.
"I have a big respect for them and the people that work for the club, for the fans as well. I never got the chance to say goodbye."