FOOTBALL | WILLIAN INTERVIEW

‘Eden Hazard used to call me Willian Beckham – he was my best attacking partner hands down’

The Premier League’s record appearance holder among all Brazilians on Costa, Mitrovic and playing for three London clubs

Willian became the Brazilian player with the most Premier League appearances last Saturday
Willian became the Brazilian player with the most Premier League appearances last Saturday
JAVIER GARCIA/SHUTTERSTOCK
The Times

Last Saturday, against Everton, Willian leapfrogged his old friend Fernandinho to reclaim the title as the Brazilian player with most appearances in the Premier League.

The Fulham winger would have celebrated with a goal too, but for a series of saves from Jordan Pickford. “I had three opportunities, but he was very well,” Willian, who has played 265 matches in the English top flight, scoring 39 goals and adding 39 assists, says.

“I am very happy with this achievement. It’s a very demanding league, you must always be on your top level. Thanks to God, I haven’t dealt with many injuries throughout my career, so it makes me very proud. There are so many Brazilians in the Premier League’s history and at the present, so