Ex Chelsea, Arsenal and Fulham star made free agent at 36 after goal drought
Former Chelsea, Arsenal and Fulham winger Willian has been made a free agent at the age of 36 years old following his unexpected release from Greek outfit Olympiacos on Monday.
The ex Brazil international joined the side as a free agent this summer following the end of his contract at Craven Cottage. Willian has been offered a new deal by the London outfit, having made 37 appearances across all competitions last term, but decided to seek a new challenge abroad.
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Hide AdWillian managed just 11 appearances for Olympiacos this season but has now agreed to mutually terminate his contract with the club. That will allow the player to join another side as a free agent, should he desire to do so.
The winger picked up one assist during his time with the Greek outfit, coming in a 3-0 league win over Volos NPS but struggled for consistent playing time due to an ankle and muscular injury. He never scored for the club.
Willian parting message to Fulham
Willian made a total of 67 appearances for Fulham across two years, scoring 10 times for Marco Silva's side. Upon leaving the club he said: "I would like to thank Fulham for a wonderful two years. It was special to return to the Premier League and be part of this historic club and the amazing fans. I have had incredible moments and this club will always be in my heart.
"A very special thank you to our coach Marco Silva who showed me a lot of belief and gave me the confidence throughout the time we were together. I wish Fulham the best of luck in their upcoming challenges and hope I will get a chance to support the team live in the future."
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Towards the end of last season, Willian had shared his desire to keep playing at the top level until he is 40 years old. In an interview with BBC Sport, the winger admitted he had decided early in 2024 that he would leave Fulham and was considering moves to Europe, Asia and the USA.
He said: "I decided to leave Fulham much before the end of the season in January or February. I had it in my mind that I would leave after speaking with my agent and family. It wasn't a decision made at the end of the season but a couple of months ago.
“I am looking at some options at the moment. I am thinking about possibilities in Europe, England, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the MLS - just not Brazil as an option for me.
"I am trying to see all the possibilities and think about making the right decision right now. I have some offers already and this is the key moment to decide my next challenge."
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The player added that he felt 'great physically'. He continued: "I think my level physically and mentally is great. I think I can play for three or four years more - maybe until I am 40 years old! I feel motivated and at a high level."


Willian is perhaps better known in the Premier League for his time at Chelsea and Arsenal. The forward first joined Chelsea from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013 and went on to make 339 appearances for the club over seven years.
During that time, Willian lifted the Premier League trophy twice, as well as the FA Cup and League Cup. He would then move to the Emirates Stadium in 2020 for a short stint with the Gunners, playing 37 times for the club.
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