‘One of the best in the league’ – Willian heaps praise on Fulham boss Silva after penning new deal

Willian has talked about the quality of Fulham manager Marco Silva after renewing his stay in west London.

The Brazilian rolled back the years with his displays for the Whites and finished fourth in the fans’ Player of the Season vote.

Reports initially indicated Willian was unhappy at the terms tabled by Fulham and also had a medical at Nottingham Forest.

But the winger, who turns 35 next month, signed a 12-month deal on Monday.

“I am completely happy to continue the work I did last season with all my team-mates and the club,” Willian told Fulham TV. “It is a club that can do even better this season. It was always my preference to come back to Fulham and renew my contract.

“Marco is a guy who I have all the respect for. He is an amazing person and a top manager – one of the best in the league. It is a pleasure to work with him.

“I had to prove to myself – and I did it – that I could come back to the Premier League and play at a high level again.”

Fulham play Brentford on Sunday (9pm UK time) in Philadelphia – the first match of the Summer Series in the USA.

They then face Aston Villa in Orlando – which is midday on July 27 in the UK – before taking on Chelsea on July 30 (7:45pm UK time).