Here's a few snippets from an interview that Willian had with a Brazilian sports news outlet:
Fulham winger Willian is still not sure whether he'll stay at the club for another season or leave this summer.
Since Willian's contract with Fulham expires at the end of the season, he was quizzed whether he's keen on signing a new deal with the club, with his answer making it clear he hasn't taken a decision yet.
"Staying in London, I think it would be good, it would be perfect. But I still haven't decided what my next step will be. As you said, I'm already 35, I'm coming to the end of my career, right? So you have to think very carefully about your decisions, what's going to be the best place, what's going to be the next step. But if I could, of course, stay in London, be in London, it would be good, it would be perfect."
Now even though the player is still to make up his mind, he revealed that Fulham's wish is to keep him in the squad.
"Fulham have already signalled that they want me to stay. They want me to stay, to renew my contract. But together with my agent, we've said that we'll only resolve this at the end of the season. I think the best way to do it at the moment is to tell them to wait, because I also have to decide if it's going to be here or if I'm going somewhere else, so I told them to wait a bit."
In the same interview, Willian claimed that he'd still like to fight for titles, so depending on the offers he has on the table, that may be a decisive factor for his choice.
Featuring for Fulham this season, the winger has five goals and two assists in 30 games so far.
I feel a tiny bit pi**ed off with him reading this. We gave him a way back to the Prem after a torrid time in Brazil (and at Arsenal) and you'd think he'd repay a bit of that faith? It could of course just be posturing, but not sure he's the type to do that?
I was someone who thought we should have given him the two-year contract that he was rumored to be after last year, but now I think we should give him the contract and say if you don't sign it by the end of the season then it's off the table. We can't keep having this uncertainty every year. He says he wants to fight for titles and staying in London would be perfect so where is he going to go because it won't be to Arsenal. I would think he probably only has a maximum of two years left playing at the top and at the moment he is a first-choice player for us. I already stated in another post that we should target two forwards this window (ffp allowing) that can play anywhere across the front line so that would cover his position, from what I've read he is one of the top earners at the club and he has had a few Niggling injuries which is to be expected at his age. Without doubt he has been a joy to watch and an asset for our club but sometimes its best to move on.
He's a top player who wants one last shot at winning a title to retire at the top... OK
On a personal level, I get it, but I agree that no title-contending club wanted him, he was considered washed by those clubs, and we trusted him, believed in him and gave him that platform again. So this is a pretty ugly kick in the teeth in my opinion, basically advertising himself out to other bigger London clubs? Dare I say it - I get the sense he'd probably jump at the chance to rejoin Chelsea and retire there.
No thanks pal, off you trot then, have loved watching him but clearly, when it comes to sense of belonging here- there's little to none for him. He messed about last year with Nottingham Forest too didn't he?
In reality - he's 35, and we'd be replacing him in a year anyway - so looks like time to turn our attentions to the next generation. So be it.
Regardless of his personal position I hope the club are targeting his replacement. If he stays great but the club comes first and another summer of him hedging his bets isn't good.
At the final whistle in the 2nd leg of the League Cup semi he looked extremely dejected. He is used to the big games and playing in finals. I hope he stays for one more season.
Quote from: jayffc on March 27, 2024, 10:53:57 AMHe's a top player who wants one last shot at winning a title to retire at the top... OK
On a personal level, I get it, but I agree that no title-contending club wanted him, he was considered washed by those clubs, and we trusted him, believed in him and gave him that platform again. So this is a pretty ugly kick in the teeth in my opinion, basically advertising himself out to other bigger London clubs? Dare I say it - I get the sense he'd probably jump at the chance to rejoin Chelsea and retire there.
No thanks pal, off you trot then, have loved watching him but clearly, when it comes to sense of belonging here- there's little to none for him. He messed about last year with Nottingham Forest too didn't he?
In reality - he's 35, and we'd be replacing him in a year anyway - so looks like time to turn our attentions to the next generation. So be it.
He has given us 2 years of fantastic football, personally I think he has paid his dues, and if he wants a final chance to win something then good luck to him.
If he goes, it opens up a first team spot for somebody else.... nobody is bigger than the club....
He wants to stay in London & win titles.... can't think of a London team that suits.....
I wouldn't be surprised if he goes over to the States, as that's the other place he wants to live
I think we should thank him for his time with us whatever he decides. He is an outstanding player at the top level but he is 35 and we may have players who can do a job for us who are younger and happy for the chance. We should be used to it by now. Players still use us as a way back or a way forward. Not many see Fulham as a long term career anymore. Football has changed. Players just don't stick with one club and to be fair it isn't always the players fault.
I wouldn't read into that that he's on his way. He literally said staying in London would be perfect and that Fulham want him to stay.
I guess what it might mean is, he wants to wait and see how it plays out because he won't want to be second fiddle if we bring in a new winger or two.
My guess is he wants to skip part of preseason to have more time off so he is stalling and will sign in mid-to-late July like he did last year.
Quote from: alfie on March 27, 2024, 11:08:49 AMQuote from: jayffc on March 27, 2024, 10:53:57 AMHe's a top player who wants one last shot at winning a title to retire at the top... OK
On a personal level, I get it, but I agree that no title-contending club wanted him, he was considered washed by those clubs, and we trusted him, believed in him and gave him that platform again. So this is a pretty ugly kick in the teeth in my opinion, basically advertising himself out to other bigger London clubs? Dare I say it - I get the sense he'd probably jump at the chance to rejoin Chelsea and retire there.
No thanks pal, off you trot then, have loved watching him but clearly, when it comes to sense of belonging here- there's little to none for him. He messed about last year with Nottingham Forest too didn't he?
In reality - he's 35, and we'd be replacing him in a year anyway - so looks like time to turn our attentions to the next generation. So be it.
He has given us 2 years of fantastic football, personally I think he has paid his dues, and if he wants a final chance to win something then good luck to him.
No issue with him wanting a final chance to win something if the opportunity arises, just this interview sounds like pimping oneself out to other rival London clubs before the seasons even out, which if the case would be a bit distasteful really.
Don't generally begrudge players big moves if they arise, it just makes it a bit hard to carry on enjoying that player at the club I love, when we're clearly stated by them as the backup option to that person.
The dissonance in this thread....
You wanted him for 2 years, you sign him for 2 years... you don't sign him for a year and then expect loyalty from a player when the club showed none.
Willian owes us nothing, he came on a free, and he has earned his way back into the Prem. Whatever loyalty he might have owed us was used up when we refused to sign him to a 2 year.
Just like clubs will do what is in their best interest, players can too. He has every right to wait till the end of the year.
Quote from: Jamie88 on March 27, 2024, 11:25:05 AMI wouldn't read into that that he's on his way. He literally said staying in London would be perfect and that Fulham want him to stay.
I guess what it might mean is, he wants to wait and see how it plays out because he won't want to be second fiddle if we bring in a new winger or two.
This is rose tinting what he's saying, He's "literally" saying - London...not Fulham.
Depends on exact wording of interview and if translation is correct
But if this translation is accurate - he says he wants to stay in London, live in London, but he's openly courting with his agent to see what London teams challenging for titles might want him.
reads very much from that wording as - I would sign for a bigger London club - because I like living in this city (as he's mentioned before) .... and Fulham want me so I have that option, but if there's a better london club I'll go there because I want to finish my career challenging for trophies while ideally living in London still.
If it's between us and say, a bigger club out of London - it seems then perhaps he tosses up challenging for silverware to end his career but not living where he loves, with staying where he likes living but having a smaller chance of winning anything by staying at Fulham.
Quote from: peachcobbler on March 27, 2024, 11:48:22 AMThe dissonance in this thread....
You wanted him for 2 years, you sign him for 2 years... you don't sign him for a year and then expect loyalty from a player when the club showed none.
Willian owes us nothing, he came on a free, and he has earned his way back into the Prem. Whatever loyalty he might have owed us was used up when we refused to sign him to a 2 year.
Just like clubs will do what is in their best interest, players can too. He has every right to wait till the end of the year.
He's 35 now 36 by the new season- no one was offering him a 2-year deal at that time, and that's perfectly reasonable to understand why, you don't know how his body will continue to hold up and so you continue to monitor. His only other option was Nottingham Forest and they only offered him a year also. He's basically been on a year rolling contract and we've again very early it seems made clear we want to keep him on.
That's the reality of being that age and wanting to play at the top table. No ones saying he has to stamp Fulham on his forehead, but it's fine and justified to feel it a bit distasteful to be outwardly pimping oneself out to rival London clubs specifically in interviews before the seasons out.
I have really enjoyed watching Willian and it has been great having a player of his quality at the Cottage.
However if he now wants to play at a top club where he can pick up silverware so be it but he can't expect us to be his fallback option in the event of none of the big clubs being prepared to offer him a contract.
My wild guess he has seen that Chelsea have to sell players because of FFP and maybe someone has suggested he could go back there on a free and play a part while they get their finances sorted out.
I think that's a ratter pessimistic reading of what he said, he wants to review it with his agent at the end of the season, as he did last year. Fair enough. If we'd signed him for two years it would be different. Cake/eat.
Quote from: jayffc on March 27, 2024, 10:53:57 AMHe's a top player who wants one last shot at winning a title to retire at the top... OK
On a personal level, I get it, but I agree that no title-contending club wanted him, he was considered washed by those clubs, and we trusted him, believed in him and gave him that platform again. So this is a pretty ugly kick in the teeth in my opinion, basically advertising himself out to other bigger London clubs? Dare I say it - I get the sense he'd probably jump at the chance to rejoin Chelsea and retire there.
No thanks pal, off you trot then, have loved watching him but clearly, when it comes to sense of belonging here- there's little to none for him. He messed about last year with Nottingham Forest too didn't he?
In reality - he's 35, and we'd be replacing him in a year anyway - so looks like time to turn our attentions to the next generation. So be it.
Weren't there articles in the last week or two saying he had a chat with Ten Hag at utd last summer before deciding to stick with us. I'm glad he's at the club, he's quality in every way and we're lucky to have him. If he can keep performing I hope he stays.
I really want us to keep our best players and keep building the squad.
We were very close to getting to a cup final this year and that was without iwobi and bassey and one or two others. We're very close to competing for silverware, even more so on the evidence that we can beat the top teams e.g. our wins vs man utd, arsenal and spurs recently.
If he wants to stay, and we want him for another year and can agree terms, then he will stay. If not, he will not stay. I do not understand why some people have an issue with this. He has been a great asset for us as we have re-established ourselves in the top flight, and I am grateful for his contribution, without demanding that he bleeds black and white.
Quote from: Jim© on March 27, 2024, 09:42:54 AMHere's a few snippets from an interview that Willian had with a Brazilian sports news outlet:
Fulham winger Willian is still not sure whether he'll stay at the club for another season or leave this summer.
Since Willian's contract with Fulham expires at the end of the season, he was quizzed whether he's keen on signing a new deal with the club, with his answer making it clear he hasn't taken a decision yet.
"Staying in London, I think it would be good, it would be perfect. But I still haven't decided what my next step will be. As you said, I'm already 35, I'm coming to the end of my career, right? So you have to think very carefully about your decisions, what's going to be the best place, what's going to be the next step. But if I could, of course, stay in London, be in London, it would be good, it would be perfect."
Now even though the player is still to make up his mind, he revealed that Fulham's wish is to keep him in the squad.
"Fulham have already signalled that they want me to stay. They want me to stay, to renew my contract. But together with my agent, we've said that we'll only resolve this at the end of the season. I think the best way to do it at the moment is to tell them to wait, because I also have to decide if it's going to be here or if I'm going somewhere else, so I told them to wait a bit."
In the same interview, Willian claimed that he'd still like to fight for titles, so depending on the offers he has on the table, that may be a decisive factor for his choice.
Featuring for Fulham this season, the winger has five goals and two assists in 30 games so far.
I feel a tiny bit pi**ed off with him reading this. We gave him a way back to the Prem after a torrid time in Brazil (and at Arsenal) and you'd think he'd repay a bit of that faith? It could of course just be posturing, but not sure he's the type to do that?
How can you be peed off with him? He's given us two good seasons and more than repaid our faith in him. Hopefully he stays but there will be no hard feelings from me if he doesn't.
He and his agent are currently negotiating for a contract next season. Would be strange to say that he will 100% stay at Fulham in that case.
A non story other than that we've offered him a contract.
I think Robinsons progress from just bombing up and down the wing is having Willian in front of him, these last two seasons. Keep him, line him up to be Marco's no2. His skill set is incredible, he looks perfectly at ease around players almost half his age and in the best league.
I think his comments are straight forward, frank and honest. Another plus for me.
He wants to win league 1 with Milwall
Quote from: I Ronic on March 27, 2024, 03:39:11 PMI think Robinsons progress from just bombing up and down the wing is having Willian in front of him, these last two seasons. Keep him, line him up to be Marco's no2. His skill set is incredible, he looks perfectly at ease around players almost half his age and in the best league.
I think his comments are straight forward, frank and honest. Another plus for me.
He has already stated he wants to be an agent when he retires
Quote from: Thailand Mick on March 27, 2024, 04:48:33 PMQuote from: I Ronic on March 27, 2024, 03:39:11 PMI think Robinsons progress from just bombing up and down the wing is having Willian in front of him, these last two seasons. Keep him, line him up to be Marco's no2. His skill set is incredible, he looks perfectly at ease around players almost half his age and in the best league.
I think his comments are straight forward, frank and honest. Another plus for me.
He has already stated he wants to be an agent when he retires
What a shame but I guess agents make more than managers and get fired less often.
Quote from: alfie on March 27, 2024, 11:08:49 AMQuote from: jayffc on March 27, 2024, 10:53:57 AMHe's a top player who wants one last shot at winning a title to retire at the top... OK
On a personal level, I get it, but I agree that no title-contending club wanted him, he was considered washed by those clubs, and we trusted him, believed in him and gave him that platform again. So this is a pretty ugly kick in the teeth in my opinion, basically advertising himself out to other bigger London clubs? Dare I say it - I get the sense he'd probably jump at the chance to rejoin Chelsea and retire there.
No thanks pal, off you trot then, have loved watching him but clearly, when it comes to sense of belonging here- there's little to none for him. He messed about last year with Nottingham Forest too didn't he?
In reality - he's 35, and we'd be replacing him in a year anyway - so looks like time to turn our attentions to the next generation. So be it.
He has given us 2 years of fantastic football, personally I think he has paid his dues, and if he wants a final chance to win something then good luck to him.
me too.he has been brilliant for us but we have wide players in abundance traore will offer as much and younger to,add Wilson Iwobi can play there.
We had this same uncertainty with him during the summer and it sounded like he would probably be off, but we re-signed him and he's still here.
I would love to see him stay with us next year as well as it's been a privilege to have him in the team, but if he really wants to go this time round, then let him.
Whatever he does IF he stays you can guarantee him and his agent will try and milk us for even more extortionate amounts of dough on his next proposed contract
Quote from: perry geyton on March 27, 2024, 10:15:00 PMWhatever he does IF he stays you can guarantee him and his agent will try and milk us for even more extortionate amounts of dough on his next proposed contract
What do you mean "milk us for even more"? He has been one of our very best players for the past two years and we got him on a free, are you suggesting we've been milked? personally I think his performances have comfortably justified his costs. And if he signs another 1 year contract I will be delighted.
Quote from: Twig on March 27, 2024, 10:49:06 PMQuote from: perry geyton on March 27, 2024, 10:15:00 PMWhatever he does IF he stays you can guarantee him and his agent will try and milk us for even more extortionate amounts of dough on his next proposed contract
What do you mean "milk us for even more"? He has been one of our very best players for the past two years and we got him on a free, are you suggesting we've been milked? personally I think his performances have comfortably justified his costs. And if he signs another 1 year contract I will be delighted.
Not meaning to answer for Perry, but I think there was an element of playing for more money last season when Willian was threatening to leave. No transfer fee, but his wages aren't cheap!
Quote from: Twig on March 27, 2024, 10:49:06 PMQuote from: perry geyton on March 27, 2024, 10:15:00 PMWhatever he does IF he stays you can guarantee him and his agent will try and milk us for even more extortionate amounts of dough on his next proposed contract
What do you mean "milk us for even more"? He has been one of our very best players for the past two years and we got him on a free, are you suggesting we've been milked? personally I think his performances have comfortably justified his costs. And if he signs another 1 year contract I will be delighted.
Twig the way him and his agent played us against Notts Forest in the last window was rather classless, especially after revitalizing his career after a good season at Fulham
Just saying
Quote from: Eton White on March 27, 2024, 10:59:27 PMQuote from: Twig on March 27, 2024, 10:49:06 PMQuote from: perry geyton on March 27, 2024, 10:15:00 PMWhatever he does IF he stays you can guarantee him and his agent will try and milk us for even more extortionate amounts of dough on his next proposed contract
What do you mean "milk us for even more"? He has been one of our very best players for the past two years and we got him on a free, are you suggesting we've been milked? personally I think his performances have comfortably justified his costs. And if he signs another 1 year contract I will be delighted.
Not meaning to answer for Perry, but I think there was an element of playing for more money last season when Willian was threatening to leave. No transfer fee, but his wages aren't cheap!
Exactly
Willian left Arsenal that didnt really want him. So, if Marco Silva is looking to upgrade, then Willian will be asking to leave. But, if Marco Silva really wants him, then Willian will probably stay. Marco Silva won't be pushing Willian out of the club, but unless Marco Silva really wants Willian he will be looking to move on.
There isn't a great option for him if he wants to stay in London. Arsenal won't want him back. Spurs still hate him after he left them at the altar for Chelsea. Chelsea aren't competing for titles(haha) and he is way too old for them. A Chelsea return is the most likely though if they decided they wanted a good mentor for all their children.
He's not going to Brentford or Palace over Fulham considering neither offers more competitiveness and he has a Brazilian/Portuguese contingent already here. West Ham is slightly more competitive than us I suppose and could offer bigger wages, but I don't really see that happening. That rules London out and then City and Liverpool aren't going to have any interest in a 36 year old so that rules out title contenders.
Basically, I don't see him leaving unless he really wants to chase the money in Saudi or something and if he does want to string us along to milk us for money then I really wouldn't be too bothered if we just moved on. He obviously still has class, but he has definitely declined a bit from last year and I would expect another slight drop next year. He does link up perfectly with Robinson with his weighted balls on the overlaps and that would be a little hard to replicate with our existing wingers outside of maybe Iwobi but I'm sure we can manage and we can bring in a new strong winger signing.
I'd like him back but not on increased wages and not for more than 1 year then it should be time to move on, but I will also not be too upset if we move on. Between Iwobi, Wilson and Adama I think we have 3 strong wingers before any additions that can do a job.
Quote from: Eton White on March 27, 2024, 10:59:27 PMQuote from: Twig on March 27, 2024, 10:49:06 PMQuote from: perry geyton on March 27, 2024, 10:15:00 PMWhatever he does IF he stays you can guarantee him and his agent will try and milk us for even more extortionate amounts of dough on his next proposed contract
What do you mean "milk us for even more"? He has been one of our very best players for the past two years and we got him on a free, are you suggesting we've been milked? personally I think his performances have comfortably justified his costs. And if he signs another 1 year contract I will be delighted.
Not meaning to answer for Perry, but I think there was an element of playing for more money last season when Willian was threatening to leave. No transfer fee, but his wages aren't cheap!
Hardly surprising that he and his agent want to maximise his earning potential, in the short period of his playing time left.
No one's doing anyone any favours in the modern elite level game, and if the club didn't want him, or he picked up a serious career ending injury, then the boot would be on the other foot, it would be 'Seeya Willian, it was good while it lasted!'
It's been brilliant to see him at Fulham, and he's really helped us do so well, so I agree that it would be great is he signs a new contract, and would fully justify the cost, as Twig says.
Last pre-season with all that went on I think we were quite desperate to keep Willian although the club didn't want to openly show it but now with the squad we have I don't think that's the case anymore. Willian is quoted as saying the club want him to renew his contract not offer a new contract which means the same terms and conditions as last season. Depending on who you believe he is our third top earner behind Raul and Palhinha on 90,000 a week, this season he has scored 5 goals and only 1 assist although a fairer judgement would be 'involved in goals scored' it's all very well these players demanding more but it's the fans that will be paying it. In a time when the price of tickets at our club has come under criticism more than ever before I can't see how we can justify giving more. We gave him the opportunity to return to London and the premier league When Brazil became unbearable for him and his family and I don't remember us fighting off any other competition to do so. As already mentioned by others last season he played us off against Forest which I don't think was fair to either club. I am a big big fan of Willian the player not so much now of Willian the person. Just my opinion.
Quote from: Thailand Mick on March 28, 2024, 06:07:06 AMWe gave him the opportunity to return to London and the premier league When Brazil became unbearable for him and his family and I don't remember us fighting off any other competition to do so. As already mentioned by others last season he played us off against Forest which I don't think was fair to either club. I am a big big fan of Willian the player not so much now of Willian the person. Just my opinion.
Not only did we not fight off other clubs to bring him back to London, he came here on a 2 week trial. That shows how desperate he was because a player of his stature going on trial is completely mad. You would think he would show a lot of appreciation for that but to be fair he has always been extremely complimentary of Fulham when he does interviews. I'm never going to begrudge him for trying to maximize money if that's his prerogative. He's not a Fulham legend, he's a Chelsea legend. I have no expectation of loyalty from him and I'll be thankful for what he's done after he's gone unless it is some unusually nasty exit which would shock me.
He's given us two years of fantastic football. I'd love him to stay another year but if not, so be it. As for loyalty, it works both ways. The club were only willing to offer him a short-term deal so it makes sense to keep his options open.
Either way, we should sign a long-term replacement this summer.
There could be a number on their way. Palhinha, Robinson, Tosin, Tete, Reed, Decordova Reid, Adama, Raul, Vinicius, Stansfield, Muniz (unlikely), Rodak as well as Willian. Probably missed one or two others as well. With the possibility of so many changes i hope we don't qualify for Europe as it would possibly be too great a strain on our potentially, new squad.
In my opinion there are some odd takes towards Willian in this thread. He's not really insinuated anything about leaving etc. in that interview and reiterates that the club want him to stay, which is a naturally understandable assumption that we would. He was a free agent and we've had two fantastic years out of him when originally nobody expected a thing from him. He's been arguably our most consistent player in the last two seasons and a vital cog in our success, and it seems like people have got their knives out for him based on an interview he's done where most people's opinions have been inferred from what he's said. He's always going to leave at some point, and if we can get in a long term solution this summer then it might be a good time to let him leave, albeit I would love for another year of him as a starter or rotation player.
Quote from: ianthailand on March 28, 2024, 08:19:24 AMThere could be a number on their way. Palhinha, Robinson, Tosin, Tete, Reed, Decordova Reid, Adama, Raul, Vinicius, Stansfield, Muniz (unlikely), Rodak as well as Willian. Probably missed one or two others as well. With the possibility of so many changes i hope we don't qualify for Europe as it would possibly be too great a strain on our potentially, new squad.
This is the conundrum for our club of our size. Qualifying for Europe may help keep our best players and attract a higher calibre of player to sign for us, but the extra games will probably impact our performance in the league. Of course, we managed to deal with it under Roy. It relies on having more squad depth.
I'm one of those who does not agree with ageism, if you're good enough you're old enough. Willian still has the fitness and quality to play at 35 and a year will not change him. Ronaldo went on till 40 at a fairly high level, and if you take care of your body off the pitch you can play at the top in your late 30s.
We have cover in Harry Wilson but would be good to retian Willian's services for another year.
Guaranteed him and his agent are waiting to see what offers come in $$$$$$
I'm sure he's got plenty and is set for life 100 times over,,,,
It's never enough
Muniz, Cairney and Robinson have all benefited immensely from playing alongside him, Tim Ream got his last deal done with no agent arguably after the best season of his career, it's a shame Willian can't be happy with what he has
We should keep him - there's been no discernible drop off in form this year, or speed, or anything else about him, other than a few unfortunately timed injuries.
He's hollywood for us, royalty, and I think you can see he helps and gets on with the other brazilian players.
We need a big, age-related overhaul of the squad, but there's no point getting rid of players who can still do it at a very high level, and picking the right ones to replace in the right order will be very important.
Quote from: Deeping_white on March 28, 2024, 08:55:52 AMIn my opinion there are some odd takes towards Willian in this thread. He's not really insinuated anything about leaving etc. in that interview and reiterates that the club want him to stay, which is a naturally understandable assumption that we would. He was a free agent and we've had two fantastic years out of him when originally nobody expected a thing from him. He's been arguably our most consistent player in the last two seasons and a vital cog in our success, and it seems like people have got their knives out for him based on an interview he's done where most people's opinions have been inferred from what he's said. He's always going to leave at some point, and if we can get in a long term solution this summer then it might be a good time to let him leave, albeit I would love for another year of him as a starter or rotation player.
Knives out?
Behave lads, at most the opsaid it made them a "tiny bit peed off" and I myself didnt love seeing him seemingly advertising himself around to rival london clubs before the seasons out whilst acknowledging how good hes been for us and said it makes it a bit hard to root for him when its coming across thaylt were a back up option for him. Not exactly grounds for a stabbing 😅
Would have liked him to stay but if not oh well, time to move on
Hardly surprising such things miffed a couple but no ones gone overboard even remotely
Been told from a couple of connected sources he's off to Saudi. We'll have to wait & see I suppose. I'll hold my hands up & say I never wanted him in the first place, certainty wouldn't have given him two years extra & I was badly wrong on both counts. His fitness,pace & workrate for a player of his age are incredible. Still oozes class
Quote from: HillingdonFFC on March 29, 2024, 06:45:14 AMBeen told from a couple of connected sources he's off to Saudi. We'll have to wait & see I suppose. I'll hold my hands up & say I never wanted him in the first place, certainty wouldn't have given him two years extra & I was badly wrong on both counts. His fitness,pace & workrate for a player of his age are incredible. Still oozes class
And if he goes to Saudi then good luck to him. I am sure the memory of returning to Brazil lingers on and he will be careful about any overseas move this time. He should keep a low profile in Saudi though.
Quote from: Deeping_white on March 28, 2024, 08:55:52 AMIn my opinion there are some odd takes towards Willian in this thread. He's not really insinuated anything about leaving etc. in that interview and reiterates that the club want him to stay, which is a naturally understandable assumption that we would. He was a free agent and we've had two fantastic years out of him when originally nobody expected a thing from him. He's been arguably our most consistent player in the last two seasons and a vital cog in our success, and it seems like people have got their knives out for him based on an interview he's done where most people's opinions have been inferred from what he's said. He's always going to leave at some point, and if we can get in a long term solution this summer then it might be a good time to let him leave, albeit I would love for another year of him as a starter or rotation player.
As Jay says above, as the OP I've got every right to feel a tiny bit peed off with him as the interview is quite an obvious "come and get me, or at least offer me a contract" from other London clubs. I find it a tiny bit classless after we did reinvigorate his failing career by taking a gamble on him back in the Prem. Yes he's been great, yes I think he's got massive ability still, but I'm not liking his stance if he's playing us off against others and shamless-ly openly too.
Quote from: HillingdonFFC on March 29, 2024, 06:45:14 AMBeen told from a couple of connected sources he's off to Saudi. We'll have to wait & see I suppose. I'll hold my hands up & say I never wanted him in the first place, certainty wouldn't have given him two years extra & I was badly wrong on both counts. His fitness,pace & workrate for a player of his age are incredible. Still oozes class
That definitely weighs up $$$$$$
Has been absolute class and I have loved watching him for the last 2 seasons but it may be time to move on. He will not keep this up and he knows it. If he gets a crazy offer he has every right to finish his career off by maximising his earnings. I really hope he stays but if he goes, we need to get a replacement that Silva can coach into an adequate replacement. Alas, a player of Willians class is very unlikely to come up again for a long while.
Quote from: alfie on March 27, 2024, 11:08:49 AMQuote from: jayffc on March 27, 2024, 10:53:57 AMHe's a top player who wants one last shot at winning a title to retire at the top... OK
On a personal level, I get it, but I agree that no title-contending club wanted him, he was considered washed by those clubs, and we trusted him, believed in him and gave him that platform again. So this is a pretty ugly kick in the teeth in my opinion, basically advertising himself out to other bigger London clubs? Dare I say it - I get the sense he'd probably jump at the chance to rejoin Chelsea and retire there.
No thanks pal, off you trot then, have loved watching him but clearly, when it comes to sense of belonging here- there's little to none for him. He messed about last year with Nottingham Forest too didn't he?
In reality - he's 35, and we'd be replacing him in a year anyway - so looks like time to turn our attentions to the next generation. So be it.
He has given us 2 years of fantastic football, personally I think he has paid his dues, and if he wants a final chance to win something then good luck to him.
He's a top player and a top pro. He clearly respects the club, is a good teammate and gives his all on the pitch but the reality is he's not a Fulham fan and he's been here less than two years in a long career. Of course he's not going to be a fan in the way we are.
I think it's understandable that he's looking at his options - especially when the club wouldn't give the security he wanted last summer (and for what it's worth I think the club made the right decision in doing so).
If we move on from Willian, thanks for the service, that goal vs Forest was unreal. If he stays next year, great, he's a proper player.
