It was my dream to play for Chelsea, admits Willian
Getty
After he became only the 11th player to make 300 appearances for Chelsea, Willian has admitted that it was always his dream to join the Blues. The Brazilian has done relatively well since signing for them in 2013 winning two league titles but has often come under criticism for his lack of goals.
Despite Frank Lampard’s main target this season being to help Chelsea’s youngsters make an impact the Blues’ legend has also breathed life into the older players with a few of them doing very well. The likes of Pedro, Jorginho, Matteo Kovacic and Willian have all done relatively well under the Chelsea boss with Willian even making his 300 appearance for the club under the Englishman.
It’s a mark that few expected him to reach but the Brazilian has been arguably one of the most consistent players over the last few years. He has averaged 48 appearances a season since joining the club and went on to admit that this time with the Blues has been a dream come true. In an interview, Willian even added that he always believed he could hit this target.
“I always believed I could play so many games. I had to believe. It’s difficult to achieve this number, especially when you play for a big club like Chelsea because there are many, many players that are fighting for the same position. It was a challenge for me. In football you have to prove yourself every day, in every game,” Willian told Chelseaafc.com.
“When you stop doing that you have to stop playing. You have to prove it to yourself as well. I have done that. I have been here already for six years, I have had different managers, different players in the squad, and I was proving every training session, every game, that I can play many, many years for this club.”
The Blues have done well this season and currently, sit only one point off third-place Arsenal and two points behind reigning champions Manchester City. Their rather impressive start has seen the likes of Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham win plaudits but Willian has been up there alongside the duo and the Brazilian went on to admit that he needs to improve even further. The 31-year-old also added that he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge as long as possible and maybe even make another 300 appearances.
“I think I have improved a lot. Every game you can learn from. Then after every game you ask yourself "What have I done well, what have I not done well?" I always want to continue improving. Now I’m very proud to reach this number, and I hope for 300 more to come!” concluded the forward.
