Willian, the experienced forward currently playing for Fulham in England, recently opened up about the challenges he faced during his second stint at Corinthians in an interview. The player, who came up through the ranks of the São Paulo club, returned to Brazil in 2021 with high expectations but encountered a scenario vastly different from what he had anticipated.
Speaking on the ESPN program “Bola da Vez,” Willian described the turbulent environment that led him to terminate his contract with the club ahead of schedule. His decision to return to Corinthians was driven by his heart, as he and his family have a strong emotional connection to the team. However, external pressure and threats began to take a toll on his personal and professional life.
The beginning of Willian’s time at the Brazilian club showed promising signs, with good performances and hopes of success. However, as time went on, the situation began to change. According to him, expectations turned into unsustainable pressures, especially during challenging moments the team faced in competitions. In addition to on-field challenges, Willian and his family endured threats through social media.
“I started to feel like a prisoner in my own home,” the forward revealed. This pressure not only affected his performance on the field but also raised serious concerns about the safety of his daughters, who were afraid to attend school.
After facing several difficult situations and considering his family’s well-being, Willian decided it was time to leave Brazil. “Your peace is something money can’t buy,” he said in a heartfelt statement about his choice to return to England, a country he already considers his second home due to his years at Chelsea and Arsenal.
This move seems to have been beneficial, as he found in Fulham an environment where he can play more calmly and without off-field tensions. Willian’s journey serves as an example of how challenging the life of a professional athlete can be, where expectations and off-field pressures can directly impact a player’s performance and well-being.
Despite the challenges, Willian continues his football career, seeking new achievements in the English football scene. As for Corinthians, upcoming important matches include games against São Paulo on June 16th, Internacional on June 19th, and Athletico-PR on June 23rd. These are significant dates for the team, without Willian, but always with the hope of better days ahead.
