Sold to Chelsea since June, Estêvão will only present himself to the English after the 2025 Club World Cup. This is because Palmeiras only agreed to negotiate their jewel if this requirement is met.
The 17-year-old striker, the team's standout player this season, commented for the first time on what motivated him to accept the Blues' offer and whether he even thought about staying at Verdão for longer.
The Brazilian club, in fact, is entitled to 70% of the amount, which can reach up to 61.5 million euros (R$ 358 million). There are, therefore, 45 million fixed euros (R$262 million) and 16.5 million euros (R$96 million) possible in bonuses.
“Since I was a child I have always followed Barcelona, I think more because of Messi and Neymar, who are references for me. And I'm very happy that other teams are interested in coming after me and my football, but Chelsea's proposal was very good. My managers spoke with my parents, with me… it was a very good project that they did and that it has everything to be successful”, he began, in an interview with Revista Placar.
“There’s nothing to talk about Chelsea, being in a spectacular city that is London, playing in the strongest league in the world and being among the best. I think even more so now, with a team that is giving opportunities to young people. This got a lot of attention from me and my family too.
Estêvão will start defending the London club from the second half of next year, when he will have turned 18 and played his first “European” challenge, as the FIFA tournament will take place between June and July.
Estêvão and 'dream of his career'
But the destiny of the Brazilian jewel could have been another country, as the representatives even opened negotiations with Barcelona, one of his career dreams. Conversations with the Catalan club, however, did not progress.
Regarding the possibility of remaining at Verdão for another season or two, the attacker was honest.
“To tell the truth, every child who plays football, I think their dream is to play in the Champions League, to play in Europe with the best in the world. There is another level altogether. We always look for this. When the opportunity arose, I was very happy that I would make this dream come true,” he said.
Abel Ferreira even said publicly that he would ask Leila Pereira to keep Estêvão until 2027. The player, in fact, was asked if the Portuguese coach advised him to stay at the club.
“No, no… He’s played football too, he knows how it works. He left this more to us, to my family and my managers”, replied the jewel, without blinking.
Stephen and the future in England
Estêvão also commented on his adaptation to England and the Premier League.
“I think it’s more up to me. Me evolving, helping the team in various possible ways, this will go one way or another. Of course I'm going to do my best, as here at Palmeiras there are already mature guys, there are guys there who have already been through various situations. I'm sure there will be difficulties at Chelsea too, but we'll be able to deal with it and get through it all. . It serves as a learning experience to get there and try to adapt as quickly as possible.
“It always feels chilly to be there in the Premier League, one of the strongest leagues in the world, with great players. It always gets cold when we watch these games, but, as I said, first I have to do my part here at Palmeiras, dedicate myself more and more here and then go there”, concluded Estêvão.
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