Willian says he would be happy to stay on at Chelsea beyond the end of his contract if the season is extended.
The Brazil international’s contract expires at the end of June – and the coronavirus crisis means the season could go on beyond then.
Speaking on a Facebook live chat with Brazilian television station Esporte Interativo, Willian suggested he would be willing to complete the season at Chelsea even if he does not agree a new deal.
Willian said: “If I had to play on those dates, in those months, I think it would be no problem for me to end the league in a way which would be loyal to the club – as they always were loyal with me – regardless of a signed paper.
“It’s clear that this is not a certainty. We don’t know what can happen.
“But without a doubt, as always, I will always be ready to give the best to my club regardless of my contract situation.”
Earlier this week, The Athletic reported that Willian is set to leave Chelsea after rejecting the club’s contract offer.
The Athletic say Willian, 31, has been offered a two-year contract but wants a long-term deal and looks likely to leave at the end of the season.
The Sun say Tottenham and Arsenal are ready to pick up Willian, who is apparently keen to stay in London.
He is reportedly set to leave along with midfielders Tiemoue Bakayoko, and Danny Drinkwater, who have long been tipped to move on this summer.
Willian willing to stay – could others follow suit?
Willian has conducted himself well at Chelsea – as shown by the way he publicly pledged his future to the club when Barcelona were previously interested in him.
So it comes as no surprise that he has been classy enough to say he would be happy to play on beyond the end of his contract even if he does not agree a new deal.
Other Chelsea players, including Pedro and Olivier Giroud, are approaching the end of their contract and would be in a similar situation if the season runs into the summer.
Has Willian set a trend? Time will tell.