Jose Mourinho has been linked with a number of his former players at Chelsea since being announced as the new manager of Manchester United. However the Special One will be unable to sign one of the best players in his last season in charge, as the Brazilian has signed a new deal with the Blues.
Chelsea were hovering just above the relegation zone mid-way through last season, as a number of their key players failed to perform under manager Jose Mourinho. His departure in December provoked a resurgence of sorts, but one player who played better under Mourinho than after was Brazilian winger Willian.
The 27-year-old midfielder scored three of his five league goals under Mourinho, while also scoring five goals in the Champions League group stages to help the faltering team qualify for the Round of 16. He was voted the players and fans Player of the Year for his performances. But ever since Jose Mourinho joined Manchester United, there has been strong speculation that he might launch a big money bid to bring his former ward to Old Trafford.
All of those speculations have now been laid to rest though. Willian signed a new four-year deal with Chelsea on Tuesday to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge till 2020.
“I’m very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea. It’s a dream to continue with this club and over the next four years I will try to help the team win more trophies,” said the Brazilian, according to the official club website.
“It’s been an amazing time for me since I joined the club three years ago, I’ve won titles and last season I was named Chelsea Player of the Year.
“I hope to be able to stay at that level during the coming seasons and achieve more success.”
The Brazilian had joined Chelsea from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala for £30 million in 2013. He had then signed a five-year contract which was due to expire in 2018. The new contract is a firm statement by the club that their midfielder is not for sale and Jose Mourinho will have to resign himself to playing against his former player rather than playing with him on his team.
