Corinthians academy midfielder explains change of plans for Brazil return

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Central do Timão

·9 settembre 2025

Corinthians academy midfielder explains change of plans for Brazil return

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Midfielder Willian, a product of Corinthians’ youth academy, was presented by Grêmio on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 9. At 37 years old, the player returns to Brazil after three seasons, ending his second stint with the Alvinegro following off-field turbulence involving threats from some fans.

Shortly after leaving Parque São Jorge, Willian had stated in interviews that he would not return to Brazil. In his introductory press conference, Grêmio’s new number 88 explained his change of plans in his career: “Corinthians is a club I respect greatly, I am grateful because I grew up there and was developed there. But today I wear the shirt and will defend the colors of Grêmio.”

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

“I won’t deny that I said I didn’t want to return to Brazil, because of the things that happened, the trauma it caused my family, especially my daughters. But that is temporary,” he said.

Willian returned to Corinthians in August 2021 after terminating his contract with Arsenal, in England, where he was not getting many opportunities and gave up a large sum to leave Europe and return to Brazil. Although he returned to Parque São Jorge with high expectations, his numbers were below what was expected, even though he often delivered good individual performances in matches.

Developed by the club at Parque São Jorge between 2005 and 2007, Willian was sold to Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine, in August 2007 for 20 million dollars. He stayed there until 2012, when he moved to Anzhi, Russia. In Russian football, he stayed for one season and, in August 2013, went to Chelsea, England, with the approval of Portuguese coach José Mourinho.

With the Blues, he stayed until mid-2020, when he agreed to join London rivals Arsenal. From then on, his career saw a decline in performance, and he later played for Corinthians, Fulham (England, two stints), and Olympiacos, Greece.

For Corinthians, he played 86 matches (66 as a starter), with 38 wins, 31 draws, and 17 losses—just over 56% success rate. Additionally, he scored three goals and provided four assists.

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