Introductions: Estevao meets his future squadmates
Chelsea Football Newsletter
The 18-year-old Brazilian is among the highest-rated talents in world football, and agreed to sign with Chelsea last summer. He will finally complete his move to Stamford Bridge this month.
Representing Palmeiras at the Club World Cup, he found himself in an awkward position as he was made to face his future team in the quarter-finals, and scored in the 2-1 defeat.
He was seen chatting with Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, and Dario Essugo at full-time, and has now revealed that Palmer invited him to meet more of the squad.
“I had to ask Essugo what Cole had said to me,” Estevao remembered. “He laughed a bit before translating, telling me ‘Cole said he’s excited for you and wants you to come with us after the game’.”
But, Estevao chose to stay with his Palmeiras teammates, whom he has played alongside since 2023.
He went on: “I wanted to stay some more time with my team pals. I came here with them. And I should go back to Brazil with them.
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Palmer corroborated the tale at full time, telling reporters: “I told Estevao we are excited for you to join, but he didn’t understand a single word I said.”
Catching up: Estevao gets to know his new Chelsea teammates
“I just wanted to show my new fans in England who I am. That it is all. I hope to learn. I am sure I come to London to evolve, and to make history there too.”
He has made no secret of his nerves ahead of the move, though, saying earlier in the tournament that he had found his last days with Palmeiras ‘difficult’.
“It’s not easy, you have to keep your head here. The closer it gets, the more anxiety sets in, the butterflies in your stomach.
“I’m trying to focus as much as possible here to leave well, with my head held high and through the front door and knowing that I gave my best.
“Sometimes it’s difficult, you imagine yourself in Europe, playing with several other players, with everything that Europe represents, a dream of mine.