Willian has re-signed for Fulham after agreeing a new one-year deal at Craven Cottage.
The 34-year-old had a medical with Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest, who were offering the Brazilian a two-year deal and higher pay, but he decided to stay in west London where his family feels at home.
Forest also gave him the option to complete his career at Olympiacos, a Greek powerhouse also controlled by shipping tycoon Evangelos Marinakis. However, Willian recently underwent a new medical at Fulham and agreed to new terms.
After allowing Willian to succeed upon his return to the English top division last season, Fulham manager Marco Silva is thought to have played a significant role in Willian’s choice to stay.
Willian led Fulham to a top-half finish in the league after they were promoted from the Championship with five goals and six assists in 27 games.
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“I’m completely happy. Happy to sign one more year with Fulham,” Willian told FFC TV.
“Happy to continue the work that I did last season with all my team-mates and the whole club. I think it’s a club that can do even better this season, so I’m happy to continue this amazing adventure.”
Willian is now expected to join the Fulham squad on their pre-season tour of the United States, where they will face Brentford, Aston Villa and Chelsea over a two-week period.
Fulham chief Tony Khan said: “I’m thrilled that Willian will return to Fulham for at least one more season. He was a very important addition last summer, and he was a significant contributor during one of the most successful Premier League campaigns that our club has ever had.
“We’re all very excited that Willian will return to Craven Cottage as we aim for another successful season in the Premier League together. Come on Fulham.”
