One of the few bright spots of Chelsea's squad during the first half of last season, Willian had been rumored to be negotiating a new four-year contract with the team for several months now. Today, it's been made official.
Four more years for Chelsea’s Player of the Year - @willianborges88! #CFC https://t.co/S7xD5tAZkk pic.twitter.com/LBgnRSXNFU
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) 12 July 2016
Willian was still on his first contract, signed at his arrival in August 2013 from Russian club Anzhi which was set to end in June 2018. It is believed that the club offered the player a £120,000-per-week renewal.
The 27-year-old is glad to have extended his link with the club for four more years.
"I'm very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea. It's a dream to continue with this club and over the next four years I will try to help the team win more trophies."
"It's been an amazing time for me since I joined the club three years ago, I've won titles and last season I was named Chelsea Player of the Year. I hope to be able to stay at that level during the coming seasons and achieve more success."
-Willian; source: Chelsea FC
Willian has often divided opinion, especially prior to last season, thanks to his outsized transfer fee and less than outrageous goals and assist totals, but he remains at the very least a valuable member of the squad. The extension is a reward for his indefatigable work-rate, and his career-best season amid the smoldering ruins of the rest of his teammates' forms.
Willian's skill-set should translate very well to Conte's style and I look forward to seeing what the new coach has in mind for Willian going forward.