Brazil winger Willian has left Premier League side Arsenal for his boyhood club Corinthinas FC in Brazil.
Arsenal who have started the season poorly confirmed the Brazilian's departure on Tuesday through a club statement.
The 32-year-old joined the Gunners from Chelsea on a three-year deal and made 37 appearances during the 2020/21 campaign.
In the official statement, it was stated that the Arsenal fraternity wishes Willian and his family well for the future.
Earlier this year, Willian was subjected to criticism as critics accused him of taking an easy pay day by moving to the club as he failed to score in his 24 appearances for the Gunners.
Arsenal’s coach Mikel Arteta, however, did not defend him though he stressed he wanted to protect Willian. The Spaniard says the criticism of the winger is not ‘unfair’ – suggesting he agrees that the midfielder is yet to hit anywhere near the form he has in previous years.
“I don’t say it’s unfair,” said Arteta.
“The expectations of Willy and the goals he can score, the assists he can create. It’s normal that people will write things about him. We have to protect him as much as we can.
“The way he’s training, the way he’s working, the way he’s willing to give everything to the team is what I demand. Whether he’s more successful or less successful in the game is another matter. It will come with the quality that he has.
“But at least what I demand from every player is the full commitment and to put the passion and everything they have in every training session and when they have the opportunity to play. And so far Willian has done that every single day,” concluded Arteta.