Thiago Silva admits he wanted Chelsea to re-sign Willian.

The veteran has been a revelation for Fulham, putting behind him difficult spells with Arsenal and Corinthians after leaving Chelsea in 2020.

Blues defender Thiago Silva told ESPN: "Willian is special. I have a special affection for this guy, as a player and off the field as a person.

"Before he moved to Corinthians, I tried to get him back (to Chelsea), but unfortunately it didn't work out, they didn't work.

"I knew he was a very important player."