Chelsea star Willian reveals Manchester United approached him for a Jose Mourinho reunion

  • Willian says Manchester United discussed a potential move with his agent
  • The Brazilian says nothing happened as Chelsea would not negotiate with them
  • The 29-year-old formed a close relationship with Jose Mourinho at the Blues 

Chelsea star Willian has revealed that his agent held talks over a move to Manchester United before committing his future to the Blues.

The attacking-midfielder, who was the club's Player of the Year in Jose Mourinho's final season, struggled last term under new manager Antonio Conte.

The Brazilian saw himself fall behind Pedro and Eden Hazard in the pecking order and was linked with a Stamford Bridge exit earlier this summer.

Chelsea star Willian has revealed that his agent held talks over a move to Manchester United

Chelsea star Willian has revealed that his agent held talks over a move to Manchester United

The 29-year-old (left) formed a close relationship with Jose Mourinho (right) at the Blues

The 29-year-old (left) formed a close relationship with Jose Mourinho (right) at the Blues


And whilst Willian admits a reunion with Mourinho was a possibility, he insists his sights are now set firmly on achieving more success with the Premier League champions. 

'There were a few conversations with my agent. I worked with Mourinho and I became his friend as well,' he explained to Goal.com.

'He likes me a lot and I like him a lot as a coach and as a person. He has put his trust in me and in my work, and I was very grateful to him.

'Manchester came to me, they talked with my agent, but nothing happened, because Chelsea would not negotiate me in any way and I'm very happy at Chelsea.'

The attacking-midfielder started Sunday's Community Shield defeat to Arsenal

The attacking-midfielder started Sunday's Community Shield defeat to Arsenal

The 29-year-old, who started Sunday's Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, sees a number of differences between Conte and Mourinho but believes they are both among the world's best.

'They are very different,' he said. 'Everyone has their way of working. Mourinho is a coach who likes more the ball practice, works the ball possession and makes short games,' he added.

'Conte likes to work the tactical and the physical part. Every coach has his way of working. Mourinho is a fantastic coach and won everything wherever he went.

'Conte is a fantastic coach too, because he won everything at Juventus and has already won the Premier League in his first year with Chelsea. Each one has his merits.'

Willian struggled during Antonio Conte's (right) first time but says he is a fantastic coach

Willian struggled during Antonio Conte's (right) first time but says he is a fantastic coach