Willian is relishing the opportunity to return to Chelsea on Friday night.
The attacker enjoyed a trophy-laden seven years at the Fulham-based club, and after being an unused substitute on his last visit as an opposition player, he is looking forward to running out on familiar turf in black and white.
“I was on the bench when I was with Arsenal there, so tomorrow will be my first game back after two years,” Willian explained.
“It’s a special game. Against Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, it’s always special when you play against this kind of team.
“And also for me, it will be a very special game because I used to play for them, for seven years, so I have a big respect for them.
“It will be a good one for me. Good memories I have there, I spent a lot of years playing at the Bridge, and tomorrow will be a very special night for me.
“I have a big respect for them, and also for the club, and the people who work for the club as well.
“Because of that, I didn’t celebrate when I scored against them [at Craven Cottage], and if I score again tomorrow it will be the same. I will not celebrate because I have a big respect for all of them.”
Make no mistake, though – nothing will make Willian happier than leaving his former home with all three points.
“It’s always what we want, to win games,” he said. “Sometimes we didn’t win, for example the last two [league] games, but I think we deserved much more.
“Tomorrow hopefully we can go there and get at least one point, but the main thing is to always – whether we’re at home or away – play to win the game. That’s what we want.”
The 70-cap Brazil international could be joined in the squad by deadline day arrival Cédric Soares, someone he got to know well during his time in North London.
“He’s a nice guy! I spent one year with him at Arsenal. He’s a great man and he is here to help us, so I’m looking forward to doing that all together.”
