Big stage: Willian tangles with Dani Alves of Barcelona in last season's Champions League quarter-final

Many top Brazilians choose to go to Spain or Italy because of the physical nature of football in England, but Willian believes his time at Shakhtar will mean adapting would not be a problem.

‘Having played in Ukraine for four years, I can already deal with the physical side of the game,’ says the Brazilian, who is good friends with compatriot David Luiz, the Chelsea defender.

‘They are very hard over there. In that sense, Ukraine is good preparation for playing over here.

‘In the past some Brazilians have struggled in the Premier League but that is  changing. Apart from Luiz, you have Sandro doing well at Tottenham and Heurelho Gomes, too. That’s because there is now everything you need in London to settle.’

Donetsk has been something of a home away from home for Brazilians. There are 10 at Shakhtar, including another Arsenal target Jadson and a man who knows all about England — former Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva.

‘I’ve spoken to Eduardo about England. He told me what a brilliant city London is. He misses it a lot and would like to come back. I would love to bring my children up in England. My twins are due in March. Maybe they will be born in London.’

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