FORMER Chelsea and Arsenal winger Willian has left Brazilian club Corinthians after he received death threats on social media.
The 34-year-old star has terminated his contract and is negotiating a move to Premier League new boys Fulham.
The winger, who has 70 caps for Brazil, said: “I did not come to Brazil to get threatened.
“Whenever Corinthians lost and if sometimes I was not doing well in the game, my family received threats, and curses on social media.
“My wife, my daughters, after a while (they) also started attacking my father, and my sister.”
The 34-year-old has scored once in 45 games since rejoining Corinthians from Arsenal last summer.
Read more sport stories
Willian has been attacked by some of the fans over poor performance in the field, as Corinthians was eliminated from two important competitions in recent weeks, despite the team being second place in the Brazilian league.
The club issued a statement, saying: “Corinthians accepted the dismissal of the athlete, the anticipation of the end of the contract.
“Willian alleged private and family problems and the desire to leave Brazil. Corinthians is sorry, but respects the player’s decision.”
Willian is now jetting back to live in London with his family.
Most read in Football
And Goal claims the playmaker could now be set for a third spell in the English capital with Fulham.
Willian is believed to have opened talks with Marco Silva’s side before his Corinthians contract was torn up.
Fulham have already swooped for several exciting attackers including Manor Solomon and compatriot Andreas Pereira.
And Willian could now be ready to join the Cottagers on a one-year deal as they look to avoid another immediate relegation to the Championship.
Despite his flop season at Arsenal, Willian is best remembered by Premier League fans for his time at Chelsea.
He spent seven seasons at Stamford Bridge, scoring 63 goals in 339 games.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
