Chelsea midfielder Willian has confirmed he received an approach from Premier League rivals Manchester United to sign him during the last summer.
In an interview with Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte this week, the player revealed the Red Devils were the only side who tried to take him out of Chelsea recently.
Asked about offers to leave the London club, he said: “Concrete, I don’t know, you know? But there were approaches, yeah.”
And when questioned where these approaches came from from, the player revealed: “From Manchester United, for the fact of Mourinho being there too. From other clubs I don’t know, there’s always something on the internet. But I’m happy to know that other clubs admire my work.”
Willian played under José Mourinho for one and a half years at Chelsea. Although news from the summer suggested his old boss wanted him at Old Trafford, this is the first time the player has confirmed an approach.
He’s previously said he was delighted to think Mourinho wanted him for Manchester United, but never really treated it seriously.
The midfielder’s contract with Chelsea was extended last summer. The current deal runs until 2020, and a Manchester United move would be very unlikely indeed.
