Mikel Arteta has tipped Willian to play a crucial role in driving Arsenal forward as the Gunners boss insisted he had no qualms about signing him on a long-term deal at the age of 32.
Arteta landed the Brazil winger on a three-year contract last month after his deal at Chelsea expired.
Willian won two Premier League titles for seven years at Stamford Bridge but moved across London on a free transfer, with Chelsea unwilling to offer the multi-year contract he desired.
Arteta is desperate to improve on last season’s eighth-placed finish in the Premier League, Arsenal’s lowest position since 1995, and he believes Willian could be a key man.
“With all the conversations I had with him, the thing that stands out is his ambition and his willingness to be the man who can drive this club forward and be a big part of it,” Arteta said on Friday.
“He has very special qualities. He has experience in this league and if there is something with him, he is always available.
“He’s a player that doesn’t miss football matches. Last season at Chelsea you could see the number of games he played even after the coronavirus.”
Source: www.besoccer.com