Chelsea allow Willian to return to Brazil

Chelsea have allowed Willian to return to his native Brazil to be with his family during the coronavirus outbreak.

The club have granted him leave of absence to be with his wife and children.

He has spent seven years at Stamford Bridge, where his contract expires at the end of the season.

Willian recently told Brazilian television he would be happy to stay on at Chelsea beyond the end of his contract if the season is extended because of the coronavirus crisis.

Reports have suggested that Willian, 31, wants a three-year contract, while his wife recently appeared to suggest that the player would be leaving the club.

Speaking on a Facebook live chat with television station Esporte Interativo, Willian suggested he would be willing to complete the season at Chelsea even if he does not agree a new deal.

Matches in England have been suspended until at least 30 April.

The Premier League are keen for the season to be completed even if it overruns into the summer.

That could create a tricky situation with regard to players whose contracts expire this summer.

Pedro and Olivier Giroud are also among Chelsea players whose deals are due to end then.

Willian said: “If I had to play on those dates, in those months, I think it would be no problem for me to end the league in a way which would be loyal to the club – as they always were loyal with me – regardless of a signed paper.

“It’s clear that this is not a certainty. We don’t know what can happen.

“But without a doubt, as always, I will always be ready to give the best to my club regardless of my contract situation.”

[scriptless]