Willian: 'I am Chelsea forever' but 'this season it can't be just about defence, defence, defence'

At the start of the summer, Chelsea Player of the Year Willian was without a long-term contract and was facing uncertainty with yet another managerial change at Chelsea.  Meanwhile, old boss Jose Mourinho was getting settled in at Manchester United, and possibly winking at a few of his former players to come join him.

It's tough to know exactly about the veracity of rumors like these, but Willian has recently confirmed that Manchester United were indeed interested, but he eventually chose the offer from Chelsea and signed the new long-term contract.

"I have a great relationship with Jose, but I am Chelsea. Of course, when someone like him is interested in you then you are happy. But I signed the contract because I like being a Chelsea player and I see good things here. I signed a new contract and that shows how much I want to stay here."

"But the simple thing is that I want to win titles. To win titles you have to improve and if we can do that then we have a great chance to win titles this season.  We have the players to do this - and the manager."

-Willian; source: FourFourTwo

But Willian knows that winning titles won't be easy.  In fact, this title may be the toughest one yet.

"I think this season will be the most difficult in history, because there are so many managers. Mourinho, Guardiola, Conte here and the others - and I think it will be difficult for everyone. But we have a great team and we have to show that on the pitch."

"I am really happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea. Now I am Chelsea forever."

-Willian; source: FourFourTwo

Willian has always been one of the hardest working members of the squad, which endeared him to Mourinho and should do the same for Conte as well.  But the 27-year-old wants the new Chelsea to be a bit more well-rounded, and show effort on both sides of the ball.

"The game against Madrid was disappointing. We must work hard and when we have the ball then we have to play good football. This season it can't be just about defence, defence, defence. We have to play good football and attack."

-Willian; source: FourFourTwo

So say we all.