Chelsea star Willian says he never wanted to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

The Brazilian international has reported to close to joining both Barcelona or Manchester United on numerous occasions throughout the transfer window following a fall out with ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.

Willian fell out of favour with the Italian towards the end of last season, and was dropped from the starting line-up for the FA Cup final against Manchester United.

Barcelona tried to prize away the 29-year-old, however saw two bids for him rejected by the Blues, while Manchester United were also understood to have made an approach for the Chelsea winger to no avail.

And Willian has now insisted there was never any chance of him leaving Stamford Bridge despite his troubles at the back end of last term.

“A lot of people they say a lot of things in the press, but I never said that I want to leave Chelsea, never,” he said.

“Always I say that I want to stay at Chelsea as long as possible, and I am happy to stay here.

“When I arrive here my plan was to stay here as long as possible and now I am here five years I hope stay five more! I know I have two years of contract left but I hope to stay more years in the Premier League.

“I am very happy to be here five years. I have won titles and played a lot of games with a lot of happy moments, and a few sad moments as well but that is part of football.

“But these five years have been very good for me and I am proud to be a Chelsea player.”