Fans’ favourite Willian delighted to cap mini-comeback for Chelsea with crucial goal

Willian will always have a special place in the hearts of all Chelsea fans. Yes, he is marvellously gifted footballer; a Samba star who graces the Blues shirt and has an army of backers at Stamford Bridge for his on-field exploits.

But, of course, the fact that he turned down a move to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to switch to the Blues from Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala at the start of the 2013 season is an added reason for the regard in which the Brazilian ace is held.

Chelsea supporters even have a special song about the players along with the fact that he snubbed a move to White Hart Lane in favour of a £30million, five-year deal with the current Premier League leaders.

The Blues sit atop the table thanks to the 3-1 win against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday and those fans who Download the sky bet app for android will have enjoyed placing a bet on a keenly anticipated game in which Willian got on the scoresheet.

Coach Antonio Conte’s outfit were trailing 1-0 to City when Willian was brought on as a sub and duly nabbed the winning goal with 20 minutes left. It capped a mini-comeback for the attacking midfielder. He fell out of favour with Conti for a spell then had to wait patiently on the sidelines after compassionate leave to attend the funeral of his mother.

And when he was quizzed following the game against Manchester City, Willian was quick to emphasise the significance of such a crucial victory against a team that will battle Conti’s men all the way for the league crown.

He said:

“It’s always difficult to play against City, but we came with a great mentality to play this game. The first half was difficult, but in the second half we played more confidently.”

“We did well with and without the ball, and we scored goals. That is always good for us. For the goal, there was space and Diego Costa made a great assist for me and I finished well.”

“I feel good now. There have been difficult moments for me and my family and it’s good for me and for the team to go on the pitch again, to score a goal and to help my team-mates.”

After scoring the winning goal, Willian marked the strike by holding up his black armband in memory of the victims of the Colombian plane crash, the majority of victims from which were attached to the Chapecoense football team.

He added:

“It’s a difficult moment for us in Brazil. Just to do this for them, to say they have to keep strong, their families, and God bless everyone.”