Willian confirms Chelsea rejected £50m Barcelona transfer offer as he reveals he and his family ‘love’ London
WILLIAN has revealed Chelsea rejected a summer transfer offer from Barcelona in 2018.
The Brazilian has been heavily linked with a Nou Camp switch for the past two season.
But the winger told the La Liga giants made a swoop for the Blues star after the 2018 World Cup, believed to be worth £50million.
But Willian insists he and his family “love” living in London, having moved to Stamford Bridge in 2013.
He said: “The only real official offer I had came from Barcelona, last year, after the World Cup.
“Barcelona indeed presented an offer to Chelsea but it was rejected.
“That was the only actual time I had to discuss something like this with my family, although we really love it here [London].
“So there were several factors that helped us in staying.”
Despite an underwhelming season last term, scoring just eight times in 56 appearances in all competitions, Willian has been revitalised under new boss Frank Lampard .
After Lampard was hit with a summer transfer embargo, and without departing Eden Hazard, Willian was handed the No10 jersey and stepped up to the plate.
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The 31-year-old has won the praise of fans after a bright start in his 14 appearances scoring three times and bagging two assists.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, SunSport revealed Blues chiefs are wanting to tie Willian down to a new deal, to prevent him from leaving on a free transfer.
However, Barca and Serie A champions Juventus remain interested in the wideman.