David Luiz has predicted that Willian will bring joy to the Arsenal supporters and is confident that his compatriot can be a success at the club. Willian joined the Gunners on a free transfer from Chelsea, making the move 12 months after Luiz also crossed the divide, but has struggled to make an impact and has been widely criticised. Luiz endured similar struggles at Arsenal but has shared the advice that he has given his Brazilian teammate, backing the winger to become an important asset.
David Luiz said: “The person Willian, few people know him. But those who know, can’t not say that they love him. Because everyone loves him as a person. The player Willian everyone knows. And everyone knows Willian’s potential. And he doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone after so many years at the high level. And he’s a moment which it’s not so pleasant at the individual level because things are not happening. But he’s an experienced, intelligent guy, who knows what he should know, what he must do every day. You don’t see Willian murmuring to train, you don’t see Willian not training. He’s always dedicated, he’s looking for the best, to improve, to grow. You don’t see Willian with an ugly face on the bench. All those things. So he’s a guy who will go through this, he will go through this moment and he’ll still bring a lot of joy to Arsenal, to this club. Because there’s this turbulence, just as I had in the first months. It’s not easy, you change clubs, from one rival to another, you have all the cannons facing you. Everything you do people will compare. Supporters on one side who loved you are sad because you left and are nervous. Supporters on the other side, who cheered against you, are like, ‘I’m not going to like this guy who came from the other side’. You end up feeling, in a way, just a little until you adapt. My first months weren’t easy, and that’s what I try to pass on to Willian. ‘Calm down, things will work out, things will happen. Just keep working because you’re you, there’s no way to change. You’re a great person and you’re a great player. Calm down. Things are going to happen’. That’s what we try. Everyone already loves Willian here, so I know that things will happen in the best possible way soon.”