Former Arsenal star Paul Merson made it clear yesterday that he doesn’t believe Willian left the Emirates without a pay-off.
The Brazilian terminated his contract at Arsenal and joined Corinthians earlier this week. Reports revealed that Willian ripped up his deal, giving up everything he was owed, which is said to be around £20 million. (Sky Sports)
Arsenal fans have heaped praise on the former Chelsea man for his incredible gesture. However, Merson is having none of that as he believes there’s no way Willian would’ve sacrificed £20 million.
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Paul Merson: Willian was paid to leave Arsenal
The former Arsenal man controversially claimed on Sky Sports yesterday: “All of a sudden, they have now let Willian go.
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“Please don’t tell me Willian didn’t get paid to leave. Yea, he said ‘I am going to sacrifice my £20 million’. Yea, okay (Merson said sarcastically). He ain’t done that.”
What has Willian and his agent said?
Right after his departure, Willian took to Instagram to lash out at the media for accusing him of joining Arsenal only for ‘financial reasons’. He said: “I hope with my actions (tearing up his contract) today explain to those people and they now understand that was not the case.”
Willian’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, backed the reports that claimed his client had given up £20 million to leave Arsenal.
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He said on TalkSport: “Yes, it is true, it’s mostly accurate. I’m not going to reveal numbers exactly, but the reports are pretty much accurate. He terminated his contract and he did it willingly, he’s probably one of the first players to do so.”
