Spurs boss accepts player’s decision to join Chelsea.
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Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas insists he is not bitter about a late u-turn by Willian that saw him join Chelsea after lengthy talks with Spurs, according to Sky Sports.
The Brazilian looked for a long time like he would complete a £30million switch to White Hart Lane from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, before a late bid from the Blues saw him change his mind and opt for the Stamford Bridge side instead.
This will be a big blow for Spurs, who are keen to bring in new signings in anticipation of star player Gareth Bale’s big-money move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, and who made Willian a prime target as a potential replacement for the Welshman.
However, Villas-Boas would not criticise Willian for his decision, wishing the 25-year-old good luck at Chelsea.
“Willian made a choice to join Chelsea and the only I can wish him is good luck because he is a person I have a good relationship and he has decided to join another club,” he said.
“Good luck to him … he made a choice, that he feels is important for the development of his career, good luck to him.”
The Portuguese coach is still expected to be active in the transfer market, and is being linked with the likes of Roma duo Erik Lamela and Miralem Pjanic as possible Willian alternatives. He also confessed to chasing Steaua Bucharest defender Vlad Chiriches.
“Vlad Chiriches, there is an interest in the player,” he added. “Maybe somebody steals him as well!
“I’m telling you we have looked to strengthen our backline with the departure of Steven Caulker, last year we had Younes [Kaboul] injured for the season but we had five, so we are looking for the position and we are going to go ahead with our re-strengthening.”
Chelsea’s new signing Willian had also been linked with Liverpool and Manchester City at points this summer.