Shakhtar´s Willian wants Chelsea switch

Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Willian has expressed his desire to join Chelsea during the January transfer window.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is believed to have had a bid of 16.5 million pounds already rejected for the Brazilian, with the release clause in the player’s contract standing at 29 million pounds.

“Chelsea are known as one of the biggest and most successful clubs around,” Willian told The Sun.

“If a deal doesn’t go through, I’ll understand. But I hope it happens.”

“They have a culture of winning trophies and that excites me. To play for them is a challenge I would accept and enjoy.”

Willian revealed that he had spoken with Brazil team-mates David Luiz and Ramires regarding a potential move, and had heard only glowing reports of the club and Villas-Boas.

“I have friends in the Brazil side who play for Chelsea, like David and Ramires,” Willian said.

“All they talk about is the thrill of being in a city like London and playing for a club like Chelsea.”

“I’ve known David since we played together in the Brazil under-20 side and he talks about what Villas-Boas is trying to build at Chelsea.”

“He and Ramires feel he wants a core of young players who can mature and grow together but also be successful.”

“David says how the coach takes a real interest in all his players, how he can adapt different cultures together and bring the best out of them.”

The 23-year-old said he was not worried about the challenges the English Premier League might present, and hoped that playing in a bigger league would help him establish himself with the Brazilian national team.

“I wouldn’t have any fears about coming to England because I have played against English sides in the Champions League and studied the English game,” he said.

“To play in a league that is seen throughout the world would be good for my hopes of playing regularly for Brazil, especially with the World Cup at home in two years’ time.”

“That is my aim. I’ve worked hard for four years to establish myself in the national team.”

“It has taken that long but now I feel I have a good relationship with the coach and I want to keep working hard, so I remain in the side.”