Chelsea defender, Thiago Silva, has admitted he tried to bring “special” Willian back to the club towards the end of his spell at Arsenal.
Willian spent seven years at Stamford Bridge before making the switch to the Emirates in 2020.
The Brazilian struggled to make an impact with the Gunners
Willian was at the Emirates for only one season, before his contract was terminated by mutual agreement and he joined his boyhood club, Corinthians.
The 34-year-old is however back in the Premier League with Fulham and scored in their Premier League victory against Chelsea last month.
Ahead of the reverse fixture on Friday night, Silva told ESPN Brazil: “Willian is special.
“I have a special affection for this kid, as a player and off the pitch as a person.
“Before he left for Corinthians, I tried to bring him back [to Chelsea], but unfortunately things didn’t advance, they didn’t work.”