Willian confirms ‘difficult’ impasse with Chelsea over contract extension length

Willian’s contract continues to wind down, and there appears to be no prospect of a resolution in sight. If anything, the current silence would seem to indicate that both parties have resigned themselves to the inevitable: Willian will be leaving the Bridge at the end of the season, after seven, largely successful and trophy-filled years.

We’re of course not quite there yet and things can change rather quickly in the world of football, but the 31-year-old confirmed after last night’s game that the impasse may be too big to overcome.

“Chelsea offered me two years, and they are not going to change what they offered. I said I wanted three more years. The situation is difficult because of this, I really don’t know if it will be possible.

“My goal is to continue working and focus on this remainder of the season, so that Chelsea can continue winning the games for the remainder of the season.”

-Willian; source: Esporte Interativo via Metro

As much as Chelsea’s policy of single-year contracts only for players over 30 may be questionable, Willian’s not doing himself any favors here.

If he truly wants to stay, like he’s claimed repeatedly, surely he’d be willing to agree to the two-year option — which is exactly what Chelsea gave David Luiz before he jumped ship, and yet are willing to break with policy again to give to Willian.

A good compromise is when both parties are dissatisfied. Perhaps Willian will be more satisfied elsewhere next season then.