Willian reveals joy in playing football, talks about his relationship with Eden Hazard

In all of his years at Chelsea, having Willian with nothing but a smile on his face has been a rather rare sight. Even in times when he took hard hits in his personal life such as last season, the Brazilian player kept a positive attitude on and off the pitch, helping the team in their quest for a Premier League title and a FA Cup final berth.

And in times where life in general can give you plenty of reasons to be pessimistic about the present and beyond, Willian is the one player whose joy when playing football overflows and pours onto Chelsea fans. How lucky of us to have someone like him in our ranks, who revels in happiness by taking his footballing as much more than just a job.

“I think you have to enjoy yourself on the pitch. To play football, you have to be happy. I have to enjoy this moment now. When you start to play more games, or when you play every match, you have confidence and things are good for you, then you can keep smiling.”

Willian’s game has always been based on a mix of speed and trickery. This was how he revealed himself to the world back in the 2012-13 season, when the then Shakhtar Donetsk winger scored twice in a difficult 3-2 win at home for Chelsea in the Champions League.

To do these tricks, Willian relied not only on his talents but also on practice, which is almost always the way for someone to reach any kind of success in life. Combining now with his improved decision-making on the pitch, all those years of honing his skills are now paying huge dividends.

“I spent a long time practising tricks when I was young and my favourite was the elastico, which I try to do during games even now. I played like an attacker. I always wanted to attack, to have the ball, to dribble and score goals.”

No wonder his scintillating form is surpassing the English borders. In fact, he has become of Brazil’s national team most reliable players, winning today a call-up by manager Tite to join the Seleção’s squad for friendlies against Russia and Germany set to take place this month.

The 29-year-old is set to complete five years at Chelsea by the end of the season, with 225 appearances and 3 titles won at the club thus far in his career. In this while, he had the opportunity to grow a beautiful rapport with Belgian star Eden Hazard both on and off the pitch.

Something which feeds itself, and explains how they can achieve things as beautiful as the Brazilian’s award-winning goal versus Brighton back in January.

“He’s a very good guy, and we have a great relationship off the pitch. I think, when you have a great relationship off the pitch, things come easily when you are on it together. With him, it’s easy to play.”

“It feels good when we combine. I feel happy. He has a lot of quality, he’s an amazing player.”

-Willian; Source: Chelsea FC

Best bromance ever!

Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images