Brazil forward Willian has left local side Corinthians after saying he had receiving death threats.
The 34-year-old former Arsenal and Chelsea went on a free transfer to the Sao Paulo-based club last summer, but the return has been everything but pleasant for the 70-cap winger.
Willian says that he will return to Europe and that he has terminated his contract with the club. English media has strongly linked him to Premier League club Fulham FC.
"I did not come to Brazil to get threatened," Willian told reporters for the 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 was criticised by some fans over poor performance in the field, as Corinthians was eliminated from two important competitions in recent weeks, despite the team being second 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.
