Willian willing to play for Chelsea without a contract

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian midfielder Willian said Friday that he would be willing to play for Chelsea without a contract if the Premier League season extends beyond June 30.

The Premier League has suspended all matches until at least April 30 as a precaution against the coronavirus outbreak.

League officials are reportedly considering prolonging the season until July or August to ensure the final nine match days are completed.

However Willian and many other players could find themselves in limbo because their current contracts expire at the end of June.

"If the league has to be played on other dates, in other months, it won't be a problem for me to finish the competition and being loyal to the club as they have been to me, regardless of any signed piece of paper," the 31-year-old told Esporte Interativo.

Willian said he has yet to discuss a new contract with the club and that the matter has been overshadowed by the global pandemic.

Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League standings, with 14 wins, six losses and nine draws, 34 points behind leaders Liverpool.