'It is his choice and I respect it': Frank Lampard remains coy over Willian's contract situation

‘It is his choice and I respect it’: Frank Lampard remains coy over Willian’s contract situation as Chelsea prepare for the winger’s exit… with Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham linked with a move for the Brazilian

  • Frank Lampard is still unsure whether Willian will extend his stay at the Bridge
  • The Brazilian’s deal at Chelsea is up and he has been locked in contract talks
  • His agent claimed last week Willian would decide on his future after FA Cup final
  • However Lampard insists he would ‘respect his choice’ should he decide to leave

Frank Lampard is still unsure whether Willian will extend his stay at Chelsea but maintains he is relaxed if the Brazilian decides to move on.

Willian’s contract at Stamford Bridge is almost up and he is set to leave the club after Chelsea’s second leg against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last-16 on August 8.

The 31-year-old has been locked in contract renewal talks for several months now and wants a new three-year deal to stay while Chelsea are not willing to offer more than two.

Willian is set to decide on his future at Chelsea with the player locked in contract talks

Willian is set to decide on his future at Chelsea with the player locked in contract talks

At one stage, it looked as if they player and club would go their separate ways before talks were reignited, leading to Willian’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, claiming that the Brazilian would decide on his future after the FA Cup final.

With the final done and dusted, Willian’s future is again a hot topic but Lampard is remaining coy on the situation. 

‘I’ve got a great relationship with Willian. I actually don’t know what that decision (contract situation) is,’ Lampard said.

Frank Lampard is unsure whether the Brazilian winger will extend his stay at Stamford Bridge

Frank Lampard is unsure whether the Brazilian winger will extend his stay at Stamford Bridge

‘If that happens over the next few days, as he said, that will be good to me in either way.

‘Of course I’m very happy with Willian. He’s been brilliant with me this season with input and work ethic within the squad.

‘But it is his choice and I respect his choice.

‘He’s been a great servant for Chelsea if he decides to move on and if he does decide to move on, Chelsea obviously moves on as well. We have to look forward ourselves.’

As well as Arsenal, Premier League rivals Tottenham and Manchester United have also been linked with Willian this season. 

Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for the winger

Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for the winger 

He has scored 11 goals in all competitions this season, including four in the space of three games during the Premier League restart.   

Willian has been at Chelsea since he turned down a move to Tottenham in favour of the Blues in the summer of 2013, and has won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and one Europa League in his seven years at Stamford Bridge.  

source: dailymail.co.uk