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      Meet the lifelong Man Utd fan and Welshman, 31, set to face David De Gea in Uefa Conference League tie

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      MAN UTD fan Connor Roberts is set to face his hero David De Gea – as The New Saints begin their European adventure in Florence. TNS have become the first domestic Welsh side to reach the group stage of European competition.Man Utd fan Connor Roberts of TNS can’t wait to face David De GeaCredit: GettyDe Gea spent more than a decade between the sticks at Old Trafford.Credit: GettyThey start the six-game Uefa Conference League phase at last year’s finalists Fiorentina on Thursday.For keeper Roberts, 31, it is a dream come true, with former United star De Gea set to don the Viola gloves after ending his year-long absence from football to sign for the Italian giants.Robert, who expects to be the busiest man on the night at Stadio Artemio Franchi, said: “I’m a lifelong Man United fan and it would be extra special to play against De Gea.”He’s arguably one of the best shot-stoppers the Premier League has ever had. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”He was the best goalkeeper in the Premier League by a country mile and I’d say he probably saved United from a couple of bottom-half finishes.”Unfortunately it didn’t finish too well for him because [Erik ten Hag] came in and wanted to go down a different direction, but football’s all about opinions.”Roberts counts former United first-team coach Eric Ramsey – now in charge of MLS outfit Minnesota – as a good friend.And he even considered asking him to contact De Gea before the Florence tie.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe continued: “Eric’s brother Alex is one of my closest mates and is also involved at TNS as part-time goalkeeping coach.”I’ve also got a good relationship with Eric and I was thinking of asking him to drop De Gea a line and say ‘Listen, can you give the TNS goalkeeper five minutes at the end’?Manchester United vs Tottenham Player Ratings”But I’ll definitely go and ask for his shirt at the end and maybe have a quick chat then.”Wrexham-born Roberts’ own career has not hit the heights he dreamed of after signing for Everton aged 15 when he faced the likes of Marouane Fellaini, Tim Cahill and Yakubu in first-team training sessions.The Wales Under-21 international had various loan stays before spells at Cheltenham and Chester and a move into the Welsh Premiership.The highlight was a call-up to Chris Coleman’s senior Wales squad for a friendly against the Netherlands in June 2014.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part.Roberts remembers: “I couldn’t catch a ball in the warm-up, I was that nervous. “I went from Wales Under-21s where I was starter over Danny Ward – who has gone on to have a fantastic career – to not being able to get a club for love or money and that was a really tough period.”I always thought I would climb back up the ladder, but in the end it didn’t turn out that way.”TNS have already played eight European matches this season.And Roberts accepts facing Italy striker Moise Kean will be a far sterner test than anything experienced before.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “We’ve managed to attract a bit more attention to the Welsh Premiership with our run in Europe and it’s fantastic to play a team like Fiorentina.”Hopefully we can keep that solidity we’ve had in the European campaign. It’s a big ask, but giving the best version of ourselves is what counts.” More

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      League One club will host Uefa Conference League games THIS SEASON after new partnership announced

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      A LEAGUE ONE club will host Uefa Conference League games this season.Welsh side The New Saints (TNS) are set to feature in the tournament for the first this season after winning their play-off against Lithuanian side FK Panevėžys 3-0 on aggregate.Shrewsbury Town are set to host TNS’ home Europa Conference League gamesCredit: GettyTNS are the first Cymru Premier side to qualify for a European tournamentCredit: GettyBut their home games are to be moved from Park Hall, which is just inside the English border.Instead TNS will travel 20 miles south-east to League One side Shrewsbury, who play at the 9,875 capacity Croud Meadow.TNS kick things off against Astana on October 4, before Djurgården visit on November 28.Their final home group game is against Panathinaikos on December 12 and the two clubs are excited to announce their new partnership.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTNS Chairman Mike Harris said: “We’d like to thank Shrewsbury Town for allowing us to host these historic matches at the Croud Meadow.”We are hopeful the community will come out in full force to support The New Saints as we face some of the continent’s biggest clubs.“Being so close to our Park Hall home will mean that supporters from Oswestry, Mid Wales, and North Wales can travel to cheer on the team.”TNS are the first Cymru Premier side to feature in the group stages of a European competition after winning the league last season and qualifying via a play-off.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWho are these famous footballers?Their away fixtures see them take on Serie A side Fiorentina in what will be a real David vs Goliath clash.They also have a short trip across the Irish Sea to play Shamrock Rovers.Bromley boss Andy Woodman shares craziest EFL memories including players’ full on fight in club shop I What the EFL?! More

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      Chelsea’s Conference League clash moved 770 MILES to Chinese border as Blues face 18-hour trip and freezing temperatures

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      CHELSEA’S Europa Conference League group stage match against Astana has been moved over 770 miles away from the original location.The Blues were set to face the Kazakhstan Premier League side at the Astana Arena.Chelsea will face Astana at the Almaty Ortalyk Stadion – 770 miles away from the original locationCredit: PAThe stadium does not have a roof and the match is set to be played in DecemberCredit: GettyBut due to ongoing renovation work at the 30,000-seater stadium, the fixture has been moved to the other side of the massive country.It will now be played at the Almaty Ortalyk Stadion in Almaty – on the Kyrgyzstan border and only 250 miles from China.And, to make matters worse for the Blues, it is also set to take place in December, meaning temperatures will likely drop below freezing.The host stadium does not have a roof, so fans will face wintry conditions.Read More in FootballGenerally, temperatures in Almaty, Kazakhstan, range from 2°C to -7°C in December.And, ironically, Cole Palmer – who goes by the nickname ‘Cold Palmer’ based on his goal celebration – will not be able to play.The 22-year-old was left out of Chelsea’s Conference League squad last week.Injury-jinxed midfielder Romeo Lavia and defender Wesley Fofana were also left out of the 27-strong group for the competition.Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEnzo Maresca made the decision to balance the work load of some young players.Palmer was a key member of the first team squad last season and played 3,734 minutes of football in total.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlySo far this season the midfielder has scored once and provided four assists in five games.Chelsea will face Gent, Heidenheim, Shamrock Rovers, Panathinaikos and Noah in their remaining Conference League group stage games.Chelsea will lose their soul by leaving Stamford BridgeBy Matt PennJUST what London needs – another £1billion bowl-shaped, soulless football stadium.No offence to Spurs, because theirs looks great, but it’s not like they had years of title-winning history to celebrate at White Hart Lane.Arsenal moved on from Highbury a couple of years after their last Premier League title win in 2004, and to no avail, they’ve been chasing that glory ever since.And the less said about West Ham’s move from Upton Park, the better. The Olympic Stadium pales in significance to Upton Park, where binoculars weren’t needed to see the pitch from Row Z.It’s no secret Chelsea fans have become disillusioned with the club since Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali took over from Roman Abramovich two years ago.The sacking of two full-time managers in that time, a 12th-place finish in the league, no European football, billions spent on Brazilian teenagers you’ve never heard of and civil war between the owners have turned the club into a laughing stock.Seems like the perfect time to revamp plans to leave Stamford Bridge, doesn’t it?According to The Guardian, Chelsea are in talks to move to a new 60,000-seater site in Earl’s Court, something they’ve attempted before.Chelsea are said to have made plans for the Lillie Bridge depot site as an area that could be developed in a move that could cost hundreds of millions.Forget that so much else still needs fixing on the pitch, that the results are still not going the way they should, that players still can’t seem to click on a consistent basis.The owners, who are said to be looking to buy each other out already, might not think it, and the seats might be a little rusty, but fans do value tradition.The Bridge has been a place supporters can call home every other Saturday. It’s raw, the stands are close to the pitch, it has four sides, and most importantly, it’s owned by the fans.For any deal to go through, Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO), a group made up of over 14,000 fans, have to approve a move away from the 42,000-seater stadium.On the other hand, redvelopment of Stamford Bridge would see the team move away from the stadium for a number of years, likely double the three years Tottenham spent at Wembley.But why not overhaul each stand one-by-one? Both Liverpool and Fulham had stands refurbished and they were able to stay put. There are also plans for Crystal Palace to do the same.If Boehly and Eghbali are so desperate to put money at the forefront of their decision-making, then go about it in a way which will appease fans.Sadly, football isn’t really about fans anymore, and it’d be easy to say Chelsea will lose their soul if they leave Stamford Bridge.But you fear they already have. More

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      Chelsea’s ‘crazy’ and ‘unbelievable’ decision to leave Cole Palmer out of Conference League squad SLAMMED by ex-Prem ace

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      COLE PALMER’S exclusion from Chelsea’s European squad is ‘crazy’, says Europe’s top player boss.Fifpro president David Terrier also believes it sums up how the increasing demands heaped upon the stars are “disrespecting” football.Chelsea have been slammed for leaving Cole Palmer out of their Conference League squadCredit: GettyFormer West Ham star David Terrier questioned the workload on playersCredit: AlamyChelsea left their best player out of their Conference League squad to  “manage workload” ahead of what could be the longest season in history.But former Metz defender Terrier, who played once for West Ham, said: “It’s unbelievable. I didn’t understand why Chelsea would leave one of their best players out of this tournament.“It’s crazy. But football is  getting more crazy every day, whether that is with the calendar, the transfer system or the workload on players.“The fans want to see the best players on the pitch. The people who  pay to watch football on TV deserve to see the best players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Cole Palmer is a top player. I want to see him playing in every game for Chelsea. If not then the spectacle of football is diminished. “It is disrespectful to football that clubs are now having to manage the loads for players like him.”Chelsea made the decision based on their involvement in five competitions.In addition to Europe there is the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and the expanded Club World Cup.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat runs from June 13 to July 15, gobbling up almost all of the traditional rest period for players.Palmer, 22, can be included in the squad should Chelsea reach the knockout stage of the Conference League. Man Utd flop Jadon Sancho makes bizarre claim about Enzo Maresca being reason he joined Chelsea but it doesn’t add upFormer Chelsea forward Eden Hazard suggested an annual 50-game limit for players as a compromise.Fifpro feel compelled to canvass members about boycotting the Club World Cup.Terrier said: “In England, France, Spain, all player contracts finish in June.“So if the Club World Cup had been played this summer, Kylian Mbappe would have started it contracted to Paris Saint-Germain and finished it as a Real Madrid player. It is stupid.”Chelsea are a circus – it will be TERRIBLE for football if they win anything, says Troy DeeneyCHELSEA are a circus — aren’t they?, writes Troy Deeney.But the bigger concern should be if somehow, some way, Todd Boehly’s insane master-plan brings about success this season.Finish in the top four. Win a trophy like the FA Cup.He will then turn around and say: “See, it works” and all of a sudden, other clubs will begin considering copying this mad model to try and compete in the Premier League.Before you know it, there will be a bigger divide between the top clubs and the rest and this country’s top flight will become something we have been fighting against — a Super League.The smaller sides and promoted teams will be wiped out by the elite and will end up saying, ‘What’s the point?’Football as we know it will change, and there will be no going back.As a neutral, you don’t want to wish failure on a club or a regime, but it’s depressing to think about.We should almost be looking at it in amazement — the owners have come in with this model and they’ve treated it as if they are buying stocks and shares, not players or human beings.Boehly has wiped away any sense of sentiment or old-school values from that club and the worrying thing is that he doesn’t seem to care.Does he even like football?Read Troy Deeney’s hard-hitting opinion on Boehly’s Chelsea shambles in full.Or check out all of Troy’s columns on SunSport. More

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      Conference League omission a hammer blow to Cole Palmer’s long-term Dream Team prospects

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      COLE PALMER’S (£6.3m) long-term Dream Team prospects have been dealt a hammer blow.Chelsea have not included the 22-year-old in their squad for the Uefa Conference League in an attempt to manage his workload.Palmer’s backers will be frustrated by Chelsea’s decisionCredit: Dream TeamThe Blues qualified for the league stage of Europe’s tertiary competition after beating Swiss outfit Servette over two play-off legs.Enzo Maresca’s side are favourites to lift the trophy but Palmer’s omission from the squad suggests the Conference League isn’t a particularly high priority.The PFA Young Player of the Year has been Chelsea’s talisman since his transfer from Manchester City – he scored 25 goals in all competitions last season.More importantly, he’s become one of Dream Team’s most-popular assets.In fact, only Erling Haaland (£8.8m) features in more teams at the time of writing.A celebration we won’t be seeing in the Conference League any time soonCredit: ReutersPalmer’s owners would have been relishing the prospect of a top-tier performer being unleashed upon favourable opposition with Chelsea set to face the likes of FC Noah, Shamrock Rovers and Heidenheim in the coming weeks.The club’s decision to save their best player for domestic duties should stave off fatigue and improve their league prospects but Dream Team bosses will see nothing but a lorry-load of points going up in smoke.Such is Palmer’s pedigree, he remains an excellent option even without additional fixtures to bolster his schedule.Most read in FootballChelsea didn’t have any European commitments last season and the England international still racked up 350+ points when all was said and done.But it’s simply true that players active in Europe generally earn more points in the long run.Maresca evidently doesn’t see the Conference League as a high priorityCredit: REXPalmer is currently ranked fourth among midfielders having amassed 32 points via one goal and four assists.Will he be able to keep pace with the likes of Luis Diaz (£4.7m), Bukayo Saka (£6.3m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£6.6m) when the European games start coming thick and fast?Palmer may be added to Chelsea’s European squad after the league stage but there’s a danger he would have fallen too far behind by then.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWGaffers should be aware that the Champions League and Europa League are expected to be particularly profitable this season due to the revamped format.Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester United are guaranteed eight continental fixtures each throughout the league phase, with the knockouts to follow for those that qualify.Palmer has been a passionate points hoarder in Chelsea blue but he’s suddenly giving up a significant number of fixtures to his rivals.It will be interesting to see to what extent his ownership decreases as a result of his omission from the Conference League squad – Romeo Lavia (£2.8m) and Wesley Fofana (£2.6m) are the other big names left out.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £60 in free bets — HERE*New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Why is Cole Palmer not in Chelsea’s Uefa Conference League squad?

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      CHELSEA will begin their Uefa Conference League campaign at the start of October.Enzo Maresca’s men will compete in the competition’s first-ever league phase, with the Blues playing six matches, three at home and the rest away. Cole Palmer has not been selected in Chelsea’s Conference Leauge squadCredit: AlamyChelsea kick off their Conference League campaign by hosting Gent at Stamford Bridge in four weeks time.Shamrock Rovers and FC Noah are the Blues’ remaining home fixtures, with trips to Heidenheim, FC Astana and Panathinaikos completing the fixture list.But three key players have been left out of Chelsea’s league phase squad…Why is Cole Palmer not in Chelsea’s Conference League squad?Enzo Maresca has named his 27-man squad for the Conference League league phase.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe list does not include Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia and starman Cole Palmer.The decision not to include the trio was due to load management, as Chelsea will compete in five competitions potentially until July 2025Should the Blues progress to the knockout stage, the London club will be able to add three players to their list, but they must replace existing members of the squad.This could see the likes of Fofana, Lavia and Palmer registered if Maresca felt he needed to bolster his options as the Conference League hits the business end.Most read in FootballWho is in Chelsea’s initial Conference League squad?Here is Chelsea’s initial 27-man for the Conference League:Goalkeepers: Sanchez, Jorgensen, BergstromDefenders: Disasi, Cucurella, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Colwill, James, Gusto, Acheampong, VeigaMidfielders: Fernandez, Madueke, Chukwuemeka, Nkunku, Sancho, Dewsbury-Hall, Caicedo, Casadei, George, DyerForwards: Neto, Mudryk, Felix, Jackson, GuiuChelsea’s Conference League league phase fixturesHere are all six of Chelsea’s league phase fixtures:Thursday, October 3Chelsea vs GentKick-off: 8pmThursday, October 24Panathinaikos vs ChelseaKick-off: 5.45pmREAD MORE SUN STORIESThursday, November 7Chelsea vs FC NoahKick-off: 8pmThursday, November 28Heidenheim vs ChelseaKick-off: 5.45pmThursday, December 12FC Astana vs ChelseaKick-off: 3.30pmThursday, December 19Chelsea vs Shamrock RoversKick-off: 8pm More

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      Cole Palmer one of three big names left OUT of Chelsea’s Uefa Conference League squad

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      COLE PALMER could miss out on a possible European trophy this season because of the workload facing young stars.Chelsea have taken the dramatic step to leave their best player out of their squad for this season’s Uefa Conference League in order to rest him.Cole Palmer has been left out of Chelsea’s Uefa Conference League squadCredit: GettyInjury-jinxed midfielder Romeo Lavia and centre back Wesley Fofana have also been left out of the 27-strong group to contest the third-tier competition.Palmer, 22, featured in both legs of the play-off round against Swiss side FC Servette – coming off the bench in the second half both times.But he will not play in the league stage which comprises six games up to December before the knockout rounds begin next year.Palmer has withdrawn from the latest England squad due to ongoing issues – believed to be a relatively minor hamstring problem.READ MORE ON CHELSEAChelsea played their first game of the season on August 18 but will be competing in next summer’s expanded Club World Cup in America.It runs from June 15 to July 13 and features 32 teams, including Premier League champions Manchester City.The Europa Conference League final takes place on May 25 in Poland.Chelsea are concerned at the number of games which could be heaped upon their rising star who played a key role in England’s run to the final of Euro 2024 in the summer.Most read in FootballRomeo Lavia has also been excluded from the squadCredit: AlamyWesley Fofana has missed out tooCredit: AFPChelsea’s Conference League fixturesThursday, October 3Chelsea vs GentKick-off: 8pmThursday, October 24Panathinaikos vs ChelseaKick-off: 5.45pmThursday, November 7Chelsea vs FC NoahKick-off: 8pmThursday, November 28Heidenheim vs ChelseaKick-off: 5.45pmThursday, December 12FC Astana vs ChelseaKick-off: 3.30pmThursday, December 19Chelsea vs Shamrock RoversKick-off: 8pm.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe club took the decision to leave him out of the Conference League squad because of ‘load management’ as they enter the second month of a season which sees them competing in the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup, Conference League and Club World Cup.Palmer has just been shortlisted for this year’s Ballon D’Or award as a reward for his rapid rise following a £40m move from Manchester City to Chelsea last summer. Man Utd flop Jadon Sancho makes bizarre claim about Enzo Maresca being reason he joined Chelsea but it doesn’t add upFofana missed the whole of last season with a knee injury, while Lavia has suffered with a series of fitness issues since joining Chelsea last summer for £53 million.There could still be a chance for Lavia, Palmer and Fofana to play in the Conference League this season though.That’s because Chelsea are able to add three more players to their squad following the initial league phase of the tournament.So should the London club advance into the latter stages then Maresca may then call the big name trio up to the squad.The Stamford Bridge outfit will play Gent, Panathinaikos, FC Noah, Heidenheim, FC Astana and Shamrock Rovers during the league phase of the competition.Their clash with Panathinaikos next month is sandwiched between Premier League games against Liverpool and Newcastle, while their FC Noah match will be in-between battles with Arsenal and Man Utd.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat busy schedule of tough head-to-heads represents one example for why Maresca has excluded some of his best talents.Chelsea will still have plenty of options for the Conference league with stars such as Christopher Nkunku, Enzo Fernandez, Noni Madueke and new arrival Jadon Sancho all included in the 27-strong squad.Chelsea’s Uefa Conference League squadA look at Chelsea’s squad for the Uefa Conference League in full…GoalkeepersRobert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Lucas BergstromDefendersAxel Disasi, Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Renato VeigaMidfieldersEnzo Fernandez, Noni Madueke, Carney Chukwuemeka, Christopher Nkunku, Jadon Sancho, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Moises Caicedo, Cesare Casadei, Tyrique George, Kiano DyerAttackersPedro Neto, Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix, Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu More

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      Former Arsenal and Chelsea star Willian, 36, set to return to football after being left unemployed following Fulham exit

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      WILLIAN has joined Olympiacos as a free agent shortly after his exit from Fulham.The ex-Chelsea and Arsenal ace stood out for the Cottagers last season with five goals and two assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.Willian is joining Olympiacos as a free agent after leaving FulhamCredit: GettyFormer Chelsea and Arsenal ace Willian passed his medical at OlympiacosCredit: GettyThe West Londoners’ manager Marco Silva wanted the winger to stay at Craven Cottage and the club offered him a new one-year contract after his previous deal expired in June.The ex-Brazil international, though, decided to move on and will continue with last season’s Europa Conference League winners who will be playing in the Europa League this season.The 36-year-old agreed a deal with Olympiacos and flew to Athens where he passed his medical in Piraeus and put pen to paper.The summer transfer window in Greece runs until September 11 and Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side is eager to add more attacking reinforcement.Read More on FootballOlympiacos missed out on signing Wolves ace Daniel Podence on a permanent deal after his successful loan stint last season.Podence is moving to Saudi Arabia for Al-Shabab after Gary O’Neil’s side landed Carlos Forbs on loan from Ajax.Mendilibar’s side has also been linked with another former Chelsea ace Hakim Ziyech, who is looking to leave Galatasaray.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWillian moved to the Premier League in 2013 when he joined Chelsea from Anzhi Makhachkala.Most read in FootballThe Brazilian went on to enjoy a glittering seven-year stint at Stamford Bridge where he won two Premier League titles, the 2015 EFL Cup, the 2018 FA Cup and the 2019 Europa League trophy.Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ clubThe ex-Shakhtar Donetsk star registered a total of 63 goals and 57 assists in 339 appearances with the Blues.Willian then moved to Arsenal but struggled to replicate the same success in north London with only one goal and seven assists in 37 matches before his departure just a year later in 2021.The Gunners’ sporting director Edu Gaspar claimed the forward failed to be a success at the Emirates because he wasn’t “100 per cent comfortable” during a season in which he started well but became “inconsistent”, just like the rest of the team.After a brief spell at Corinthians, Willian returned to London for Fulham where he scored 10 goals and provided seven assists in 67 appearances.Fulham offered Willian a new contract and manager Marco Silva wanted him to stayEvery Chelsea signing under Todd BoehlyHere is a list of all Chelsea’s signings under Todd Boehly…Raheem Sterling – £50mKalidou Koulibaly £33mGabriel Slonina – £8mCarney Chukweumeka – £20mMarc Cucurella – £57.5mCesare Casadei – £13.3mWesley Fofana – £70mPierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £10.3mDenis Zakaria – £2.7m (Loan fee)David Datro Fofana – £10.6mBenoit Badiashile – £33.7mAndrey Santos – £11.1mJoao Felix – £9.7m (Loan fee)Mykhailo Mudryk – £62m Noni Madueke – £30mMalo Gusto – £26.75mEnzo Fernandez – £107.8mChristopher Nkunku – £52mDiego Moreira – FREENicolas Jackson – £31.5mAngelo Gabriel – £13mLesley Ugochukwu – £23.3mAxel Disasi – £38.9mRobert Sanchez – £20mMoises Caicedo – £100mRomeo Lavia – £53.2mDeivid Washington – £13.7mCole Palmer – £40.1mDjordje Petrovic – £13.6mTosin Adarabioyo – FREEMarc Guiu – £5.1mCaleb Wiley – £8.63mRenato Veiga – £12mAarón Anselmino – £14mOmari Kellyman – £19.2mFilip Jorgensen – £21mKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – £30.2mPedro Neto – £51mJoao Felix – £42.6m More