Estevao, an 18-year-old footballer, scored a great goal in the Club World Cup quarter-final in Philadelphia. But even with his goal, his team lost 2-1 to Chelsea after a late own goal.
Now, Estevao is finally moving to Chelsea, more than a year after the club agreed to buy him from Palmeiras for around 57 million euros (about $67.1 million), including bonuses.
Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira, who has trained Estevao, praised him highly after the match. “I don’t have sons, only two daughters, but Estevao is like a son to me,” he said. He also spoke with Chelsea’s coach Enzo Maresca, about Estevao.
Ferreira told Maresca, “You didn’t just buy a great player, but also a great person. He’s very talented and can win games by himself. Of course, he will make mistakes in the beginning, but he has amazing skills.”
Estevao Shines, But Chelsea Win and Prepare to Welcome Him
Estevao was named the best player in Brazil’s top league last year. He has shown how talented he is during the Club World Cup.
Now, he will compete for a place in the Chelsea team. It won’t be easy, as Chelsea already has many strong attackers.
Ferreira added, “He will need support from the coach and club leaders. He’s young, and it’s his first time living outside Brazil. I told him life in England is different—the sun doesn’t shine much, and it gets dark early. But I believe Chelsea will take care of him. He’s a fantastic player and I believe he’s ready.”
Chelsea Coach Also Impressed
Chelsea coach Maresca said he talked to Estevao after the match and told him it was a perfect night—his team won, and Estevao scored.
Maresca said, “Estevao is a huge talent. When players come from South America or other places, they need time to adjust. We will help him feel happy and enjoy playing. We believe he will be a very important player for Chelsea.”
Another future Chelsea player, Jamie Gittens, was also at the game. The young English winger is joining from Borussia Dortmund.
“Jamie was on the pitch tonight,” Maresca said. “He’ll be with us for another day or two, then go on holiday and return when the new season starts.”
Mutib Khalid is a skilled content writer and digital marketer with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and optimizing digital strategies. Excel in creating engaging content that drives results and enhances online presence. Passionate about blending creativity with data-driven approaches, Mutib Khalid helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals.