Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge believes that Willian should be lauded for the fact that he has torn up his contract at Arsenal.

The Gunners were boosted by the fact that the Brazil international made the decision to essentially walk out on his contract.

He left the club by mutual consent to return to his native country and join Corinthians, with The Athletic reporting that the club were keen to remove his salary from their considerable wage bill. He was reportedly earning just over £190,000-per-week.

Willian had two years left on his contract but has now departed, and Bridge believes that the winger has done the club a huge favour.

The ex-Chelsea star struggled during his time at the Emirates and scored just once in 37 appearances, while laying on seven assists.

Arsenal, of course, have endured a terrible start to the season and are currently rock-bottom of the Premier League table, having lost to Brentford, Chelsea, and Manchester City in succession. They have yet to score a league goal.

But Bridge believes they will have been helped immensely by Willian’s decision, one which has surprised him.

He said: “You look at Arsenal, they’re having a genuine restart, a clear club restart.

“Willian, amazing that he’s actually torn up his contract, which is so unheard of in football. With the greatest respect to the bloke, I never thought he would do that. He’s just not the character so fair play, he’s saved Arsenal some serious wedge.”