It used to be that Chelsea players would go to the United States to extend their careers and get an easier pace of life.
Nowadays when Chelsea’s old guard want one last payday, a lower level of competition, and a couple of extra years of football they trade Los Angeles for North London.
Willian announced this week that he turned down a squad role with a two-year contract at Chelsea playing in the Champions League. Choosing instead a three year deal in the Europa League.
He joins Petr Cech and David Luiz who have moved to Arsenal in recent years having seen their time at Chelsea come to a natural end.
There is no animosity as it is not like they move to a rival for the title, instead they get more game time and in the case of Willian a massive payrise for the last days of his career.
His reported wage of £225k per week makes him the 9th highest player in the Premier League which is staggering considering he will be 35 at the end of his contract.
Don’t get me wrong I respect Willian and he had a great end to his time at Chelsea, but is he really worth £225k per week for 3 years.
Seems like he has chosen to retire with a lower level of ambition for the money and an extended career.
Who can blame him?
