Chelsea winger Willian has rubbished speculation that he has been in contact with Jose Mourinho regarding a summer move to Tottenham Hotspur.
The 31-year-old is currently due to leave Stamford Bridge when his contract expires at the end of this season, with the club and player as yet unable to agree terms over the length of any extension.
Spurs has been touted as one of his most likely destinations, particularly after he talked up his relationship with Mourinho, but Willian insists that he has not spoken to his former Chelsea boss recently.
"I haven't had any contact with Mourinho recently. Over here, when you enter the country from abroad, you have to spend a period in self-isolation. Even now, I still haven't left my house once. So when I saw the story about meeting with Jose it took me completely by surprise," Willian is quoted as saying by The Mirror.
"I haven't even spoken to him on the phone – and I haven't met with him either, because I haven't been out. So quite honestly, this story isn't true. Obviously, I've got a good relationship with him and sometimes we exchange messages. But recently there has been nothing like that.
"I've always been very clear about this and right now my objective is to stay in Europe. I intend to keep playing at the highest level in Europe for a few years yet. But I've always been clear that I won't rule out going back to Brazil one day and Corinthians is a team that is very close to my heart.
"If one day, I return to Brazil, Corinthians would be my first choice. But I have to leave my options open in terms of other clubs too. It doesn't mean that I'm ruling out playing for another team."
Willian's preference is thought to be staying in London, with Arsenal also rumoured to be interested in the Brazil international.
Barney Corkhill
