Estevao on talking with Cole Palmer, Thiago Silva's message and his shirt number at Chelsea

The football world is ready to see Estevao Willian in the Chelsea outfit, and so is he. The Brazilian youngster, regarded as one of the country's biggest prospects since Neymar,  has been vocal about his excitement to join the Blues as he prepares to begin life in England next summer.

Having played the final game of the Brazilian Serie A against Fluminense on Sunday, Estevao was faced with former Chelsea defender Thiago Silva at the Allianz Parque. "Thiago Silva spoke to me in that last game. He said the club is top and they are waiting for me with open arms", he told 'ESPN Brasil'. Palmerais concluded the league in second place, missing out on the title by six points, with Botafogo named winners instead. 

But it was a brilliant season for Estevao nonetheless. With 25 goal contributions this season (15 goals and 10 assists), the 17-year-old has had plenty of opportunity to celebrate -  as always, with a touch of 'Blue'. The winger made headlines when he mimicked Cole Palmer's 'Cold' celebration earlier in the campaign, with the two exchanging a message via their Instagram story.

"Palmer speaks to me on Instagram," Estevao said, revealing that the two still keep in touch. "I really like Cole Palmer’s celebration. Ever since I signed with Chelsea I said I was going to do this celebration. We exchanged ideas, and I’m happy to have this contact with him". Captain Reece James has also reached out to the future Chelsea wonderkid, who told 'ESPN Brasil': "There is James who said that if I needed anything I should speak to him".

On what shirt number he would like to wear at his new club, Estevao said: "I don’t have a preference, but I really like 41. If they have 41, it will be cool too". However, he does seem to have more of a preference when it comes to his position on the pitch. “I’ve always been a number ten and I went to the wing to have one-on-ones. Of course, I respect Abel’s (Ferreira) decision, I know that I’ve enjoyed being on the wing more, but who knows, in the future I’ll play where I feel more comfortable, which is inside".

 

December 9, 2024