Why the abuse?
At the end of last season, Willian was named both Chelsea Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year at the club’s annual awards at Stamford Bridge. It was only the third time that one player had been honoured with both prestigious accolades, voted for by the supporters and fellow pros respectively.
Despite the fact that Chelsea experienced one of their worst seasons in years, Willian managed to find the net an impressive 11 times, including six goals from direct free-kicks. This, allied with his ceaseless work-rate and impressive stamina, obviously caught the eye of new manager Antonio Conte.
Amidst rumoured interest from Manchester United and other clubs, the 27-year-old Brazilian was rewarded with a new four year deal at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. The news was announced by way of a celebratory tweet from the official club account.
Four more years for Chelsea’s Player of the Year – @willianborges88! #CFC https://t.co/S7xD5tAZkk pic.twitter.com/LBgnRSXNFU
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 12, 2016
Now you’d assume that this would be universally greeted as great news by the Chelsea faithful, no? Surely they’d be ecstatic at securing the future of a vital player for the foreseeable future? Wrong!
For whatever reason, there seems to be a significant contingent amongst Blues followers who simply do not rate the player – quite the opposite in fact. So much so that they took to Twitter to express their angry displeasure at the new contract.
Here are just some of the disaffected support:
https://twitter.com/m7amad3m_/status/752900124968415233
are you kidding me
— Lila (@Writel) July 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/NicoSulky/status/752901723279228928
https://twitter.com/DeadIyEden/status/752896487999275008
https://twitter.com/EIasticoKenedy/status/752896161619517441
We are finished. Finished
— ? (@bgmo_) July 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/Thibauted/status/752896098134585344
https://twitter.com/fabregasesque/status/752905570189975556
Willian Rewarded with a New Contract for his performances last season.Can't wait for him to be sold for a Huge fee to a Chinese Team
— Gowtham (@Gowtham_KJ) July 12, 2016
Asking why Willian got a new contract? Smh
— Isi Ewu Republic President (an Ngwa man) (@OdinakaChelsea) July 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/EIasticoKenedy/status/752899172613906432
we deserve relegation next season….willian is one of our worst players…..
— Michy Saw The Light (@MichyyBichyy) July 12, 2016
Hope a Chinese club comes in for Willian ..He's shit Ffs
— Citizen Don Kekye ⭐️⭐️ (@citizendonGh) July 12, 2016
Blimey. In fairness, there are also a good number of Chelsea fans who are somewhat perplexed as to why the player received such extreme levels of abuse. It certainly is a game of opinions…
Why hate on Willian he was our best player last season!!!
— Jack (@JackMKelly26) July 12, 2016
No idea why some Chelsea fans hate on Willian.
— FPL Max (@FPLMaxy) July 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/MrDilk1ington/status/752899070365147137
