The Brazil international forward says the Liga giants made an approach in 2018, but their advances were rebuffed by those at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea forward Willian has admitted to receiving an offer from Barcelona in 2018, with the Brazilian said to still be on the Blaugrana’s radar as his contract at Stamford Bridge runs down.
A move to Camp Nou for the South American has been mooted for several years.
No deal has been done, but that is not for a lack of trying on the part of the reigning Liga champions.
On the back of the last World Cup finals in Russia, Barca endeavoured to put an agreement in place with Chelsea.
Their approach was knocked back, with Willian having enjoyed a stellar 2017-18 campaign which saw him record a career-best 13 goals across all competitions.
He has remained an important figure in west London since then and, at 31 years of age, has no complaints at having seen Chelsea rebuff an approach from Catalunya.
Speaking to ‘Saudade’, a DAZN exclusive series on Brazilians playing abroad that will be unveiled to the world on Thursday, Willian said: “The only real official offer I had came from Barcelona, last year, after the World Cup.
“Barcelona indeed presented an offer to Chelsea but it was rejected.
“That was the only actual time I had to discuss something like this with my family, although we really love it here (London). So there were several factors that helped us in staying.”
Willian has stated his desire to thrash out a new deal with Chelsea on a regular basis, but he is still due to become a free agent in 2020.
He will be free to discuss pre-contract terms with any interested parties outside of England from January, with uncertainty continuing to shroud his future.
A return to his roots in Brazil has been ruled out for now, with there a desire on his part to remain in Europe while still at the peak of his powers, but a homecoming at Corinthians could happen at some stage.
Willian added: “If I have to return to Brazil, I’d like to play at Corinthians again.
“It represents a lot, I was born and raised there, my footballing career began there when I was nine, I’ve spent my entire childhood there.
“I’ve been a Corinthians fan since I was little, even before I played there, my family also supports the club.
“So when I got there all my relatives were very happy, and then, after I got to the first team, everyone was overjoyed.”
Willian has taken in 14 appearances for Chelsea this season, recording three goals and two assists for Frank Lampard’s in-form side.