Brazil midfielder Oscar has leaped to the defence of Fulham’s Willian and his decision to leave Corinthians this summer, just a year after his arrival from Arsenal.
The forward joined the Brazilian side from Arsenal in August last year, leaving the Gunners on a free transfer after coming to an agreement to terminate his contract.
The return to his homeland was something of a dream one for the veteran, with Corinthians his boyhood club and one he had wanted to play for again after starting his career there before a move to Shakhtar in 2007.
He would go on to make 36 appearances in all competitions for the club last season, scoring one goal and registering four assists.
However, he made the decision to leave the club this summer for Fulham after receiving threats on social media involving his family.
It had left him concerned something was going to happen and so he decided to return to England for a third spell in London, this time at Fulham.
It was a frustrating end to his dream return but former Brazil teammate Oscar has defended the choice, particularly after the sacrifice he made to make it.
“I am very close to Willian, the families,” he told the Desimpedidos YouTube channel, relayed by ESPN Brazil.
“I talked to him. It was kind of sad, he is a Corinthians player, he gave everything up at Arsenal to play for Corinthians, a huge contract.
“He gave everything up to come here and this happened. Then you say: ‘what happened to the guy’. Imagine the kids at school, then you start thinking: it is not worth it.”
