Willian signs new contract with Chelsea

London (AFP) – Chelsea rewarded their player of the year, Brazilian international midfielder Willian, with a new four-year contract on Tuesday, the Premier League club announced.

The 27-year-old — who Chelsea beat off London rivals Spurs to buy for £32million three years ago from Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala — professed himself delighted to be continuing his career with the club.

“I’m very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea,” Willian told the club’s website.

“It’s a dream to continue with this club and over the next four years I will try to help the team win more trophies,” added Willian, who caught the eye of potential suitors as part of the hugely successful Ukrainian side Shakhthar Donetsk who won the now defunct UEFA Cup in 2009.

Willian, who has scored 19 goals in 140 appearances, had been linked with a possible big money reunion with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.

However, despite winning the Premier League title and League Cup under Mourinho Willian is content to taste life under Chelsea’s new manager, Italian Antonio Conte.

“It’s been an amazing time for me since I joined the club three years ago, I have won titles and last season I was named Chelsea Player of the Year,” said Willian.

“I hope to be able to stay at that level during the coming seasons and achieve more success.”