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Willian: If Antonio Conte stayed at Chelsea, I would have left

Michael Hincks

Updated 13/08/2018 at 15:05 GMT

Willian has admitted he would have left Chelsea if Antonio Conte had remained in charge of the club.

Willian & Antonio Conte

Image credit: Getty Images

Conte was replaced by Maurizio Sarri in July, one season after guiding the Blues to Premier League glory.
A fallout with the board, and a fifth-placed finish, ultimately sealed Conte’s fate, while Willian only confirmed his intent to stay at Stamford Bridge after the Italian departed.
Asked if he would still be at Chelsea if Conte was still head coach, Willian told the Evening Standard: "No chance. No.
"I'm here because I want to play for Chelsea. I will only leave if Chelsea want me to go."
picture

Huddersfield Town's Swiss defender Florent Hadergjonaj (L) vies with Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Willian

Image credit: Getty Images

Willian was subject to interest from Barcelona and Manchester United over the summer as news of the Brazilian’s rift with Conte emerged.
A photo the 29-year-old posted on social media back in May alluded to this fallout, with Willian covering Conte with three trophy emojis following their FA Cup win against United.
However, Willian appears to be enjoying like under new boss Sarri.
"The manager tells us to play, to enjoy ourselves on the pitch," Willian added.
Is it fun to play this way? I think so. We have a lot of players with quality up front, like Eden Hazard and Pedro. Players like that want to play football.
"That's why he [Sarri] talked about 'fun' football [after arriving at Chelsea]. This is what we will try to do this season."
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