Before moving to Chelsea, Brazilian sensation Estevao Willian shared a touching message he received from Cole Palmer. The Blues defeated competition from European powerhouses Barcelona and Bayern Munich to buy the 17-year-old in May of this year for an initial sum of £29 million, which could increase to £56 million with add-ons.
The South American prodigy, who has made 38 senior appearances and scored 11 goals for Palmeiras, is the newest talent from the region to sign with the Blues. He will arrive in 2025 when he turns 18.
He has already had good conversations with Palmer, the man who presently lights up Stamford Bridge, so it looks like he will fit right in come July as well.
Estevao told The Guardian, “I scored a goal the day after I signed with Chelsea and celebrated like Palmer.” “His celebration became quite popular and became a trend.
“I tagged him on Instagram after we spoke on social media, and he dubbed me a celebrity. I replied that he was also a star. We’re going to do a lot of amazing things for Chelsea together, he said.
“I chose Chelsea due to their preparation,” the young right-winger continued. “I was quite happy about that. For my family as well as for myself. It was the club that trusted my work and had faith in me. I’m hoping to repay that.
“I’m going to have to find my space, and I’m going to have to give my all effort every day,” he said, recognising the difficulty of finding a place in a side that features wingers Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke.
“Being the greatest player in the world is my greatest dream. I dream of that. I’ll be among the finest one day. However, I won’t make any promises or make any projections about achieving this shortly. It will happen on its own.”
According to the Mirror, Estevao, who was known as “Messinho” in Brazil for his impressive left-footed abilities that made him resemble a “Little Messi,” is keen to contribute to English football and is taking inspiration from the greatest.
Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, is someone I like. But because of everything he has done for football, [Lionel] Messi is my inspiration,” Estevao continued. “I always have to look up to him because of the way he plays and what he does off the pitch. Of course, it also helps that I am left-footed like him.
“While some people are gifted by birth, others must put forth a lot of effort. Ronaldo and Messi are excellent examples. Ronaldo has the effort, Messi the talent. I’m looking for both skill and commitment. You have to put in a lot of effort in football today. You have to train, travel, maintain a schedule, and look after yourself. You must sacrifice a great deal. You cannot succeed without commitment.
