Willian set for Premier League return following death threats in Brazil

The Brazilian went on a free transfer to Corinthians last summer, but the return has been everything but pleasant for the winger who has 70 caps for his national team since his debut in 2011.

On Friday, Willian told reporters that he will return to Europe and that he had terminated the contract with the club. English media has linked him to Premier League club Fulham.

"I did not come to Brazil to get threatened," Willian told Globo Esporte.

"Whenever Corinthians lost and if sometimes I was not doing well in the game, my family received threats, and curses on social media.

"My wife, my daughters, after a while (they) also started attacking my father, and my sister."

Willian has been attacked by some of the fans over poor performance in the field, as Corinthians was eliminated from two important competitions in recent weeks, despite the team being second place in the Brazilian league.

"Corinthians accepted the dismissal of the athlete, the anticipation of the end of the contract. Willian alleged private and family problems and the desire to leave Brazil. Corinthians is sorry, but respects the player's decision," Corinthians said in statement.