Willian: How Luiz pleaded With Me To Join Arsenal

Willian has revealed that a conversation with former Chelsea teammate David Luiz persuaded him to join Arsenal.

The 32-year-old says he was drawn to the Gunners by the prospect of reuniting with his international team-mate, referring to him as a ‘top player’ who helped him overcome ‘difficult times at Chelsea’.

Willian who has his sights on winning the Premier League title and European trophies with Arsenal, believes he and Luiz can do ‘great things together’ at the club.

Willian told the Gunners’ official website: “He [Luiz] is very happy. We played together in the national team, we played together at Chelsea, and now at Arsenal again.

“I think we can do great things together, I hope so, but I’m very happy to be with him again.

“He said, “Come to Arsenal, come to Arsenal, I want you to come!” So that was the conversation.

“He is a very nice guy, a top player and I’m very excited to play with him again. Of course [he helped in the past], many times. Many times when I had difficult times at Chelsea he was helping me a lot.

“He is this kind of person that wants to help, especially young players without experience. He is the guy that helps everyone.”

Thanks to Luiz, the Gunners snapped up the Brazilian on a free transfer, with Willian earning an astonishing £220,000 a week at the Emirates Stadium. – live casino

Willian has committed to a three-year contract at the club, and has been handed the No 12 shirt.

The forward — who won the Premier League twice, the Europa League and FA Cup in a glittering Chelsea spell — will be looking to help the club improve on their disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League this season.