Estêvão is set to join Chelsea after his involvement with Palmeiras at the Club World Cup. The Premier League side are also competing in the ongoing tournament in America.
A year ago, Chelsea agreed terms with the Brazilian club for the winger to arrive at the club in the summer of 2025. He turned 18 years of age in April and that now makes him eligible to secure a move to the UK.
Four days ago, the youngster said he’ll fulfil his dream by making a switch to Chelsea. He also admitted his impending move to the west London club makes it difficult to focus on his tasks at Palmeiras.
Abel Ferreira, the South American club’s manager, has now come in defence of Estêvão and A Bola have relayed his comments.
“If we all made an effort to have a little empathy, to be in his place. He’s 18 years old, the same age as my daughter, who is also leaving home,” he said.
“Palmeiras have something that helps and protects. Unlike many clubs, Palmeiras take care of its players and that is why the youngsters succeed, and we have so many sales here.”
“It’s different playing for the B team than for the main team. But there’s no player in the world who always plays well.
“I didn’t see Messi playing well all the time at PSG and he was heavily criticised; I see Cristiano Ronaldo, I saw what the Portuguese did to him a year ago [with the national team] ‘oh he’s old, oh the cycle is over…’ but the responsibility is yours [journalists]. Are you all perfect? The only imperfect ones are coaches and players.”
The youngster insisted he gets “more anxious” as he gets closer to sealing a move to Chelsea.
Just like the English club, Real Madrid agreed a deal with the Brazilian club for Endrick in December 2022. He moved to the Spanish capital club last summer and wasn’t able to enjoy regular minutes in his debut season.
The Palmeiras manager has used Endrick as an example to defend Estêvão’s anxious comment.
“Remember what happened with Endrick? You helped him a lot, you even asked him to go to the B team. But Palmeiras protect him and help him grow,” Ferreira explained.
“Estêvão is so pure and naive that the spoke of anxiety. It’s normal. He said what he felt, because it’s normal, and a lot of him was crushed. That’s what you do to the players here.
“Make a summary of top players and listen to what the players say about playing here. That’s what sells, the blood… That’s what sells. You make money one way, and we make money another way…”