Palmeiras winger Estevao Willian has gone into further detail as to why he has decided to join Chelsea in 2025.
The Premier League giants announced in June that they had agreed to sign the Brazilian prodigy in what is alleged to be a £51m deal.
Upon first scouting the 17-year-old, Estevao had been restricted to several senior outings for Palmeiras, but he has since developed into one of the stars of the Brazilian top flight.
Despite his youthful age, the teenager has contributed nine goals and seven assists from his 23 appearances in the division during 2024, helping keep his club just three points adrift of leaders Botafogo in the Brasileiro table.
Furthermore, Estevao has been rewarded with two appearances for the senior Brazil side, with those outings coming against Ecuador and Paraguay in September.
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Estevao comments on Chelsea transfer
Although Estevao is not due to arrive at Stamford Bridge until next summer, there is already anticipation as to how he will fare in the Premier League.
There has been criticism over Chelsea's forward planning, Estevao not the only young South American talent who will be moving to West London at the same time with Kendry Paez on a similar career path.
Nevertheless, in an interview with The Guardian, the starlet has revealed that it was that particular approach from Chelsea that encouraged him to choose them over other clubs.
He said: "I decided for Chelsea because of their planning. I was very pleased with that
"Not just for me, but also for my family. It was the club that believed in me and trusted in my work. I hope I can pay that back."
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Estevao speaks on Palmer interaction
Chelsea star Cole Palmer has been become synonymous with his 'cold' celebration since starring for Chelsea, and Estevao did not need much encouragement to replicate it soon after signing his contract.
The pair have also spoken on social media, Estevao revealing: "When I signed for Chelsea, the next day I scored a goal and celebrated like Palmer. His celebration was trend, very popular.
"We talked on social media, I tagged him on Instagram, he called me a star, I said he's a star too. He said we're going to do a lot of great things together for Chelsea."
Estevao's current focus is the remaining nine matches in the Brazilian top flight, Palmeiras' next fixture coming at Juventude on October 21.
Darren Plant
