Sold to Chelsea from June, Estevao will present himself to the English Palm Trees only after the 2025 Club World Cup and he has agreed to trade his jewels only if this requirement is met.
The 17-year-old striker, who has been the club's best player this season, has commented for the first time on what prompted him to accept the Blues' offer and whether he has considered a long-term stay at Verdao.
The Brazilian club, in fact, owns 70% of the amount that could reach 61.5 million euros (R$ 358 million). Therefore, 45 million fixed euros (R$262 million) and 16.5 million euros (R$96 million) are possible in bonuses.
“When I was a little kid, following Barcelona, I think a lot because of Messi and Neymar, references to me. And I'm very happy with the interest of me and the other teams behind me. Football, but Chelsea's proposal from Barcelona was very good, my managers talked to my parents… It's a good plan they made and it has everything to succeed,” he said in an interview with Revista Blogger.
“There is nothing to say about Chelsea, about being in a spectacular city called London, playing in the strongest league in the world and being among the best. Now I think even more with a team that gives opportunities to youngsters. It got a lot of attention from me and my family.
Estevao will start defending the London club from the second half of next year, when he will turn 18 and play his first “European” challenge, as the FIFA competitions will take place between June and July.
Estevao and the 'dream of his career'
But the fate of the Brazilian jewel could have been another country, as representatives opened negotiations with one of his career dreams, Barcelona. However, talks with the Catalan club have not progressed.
The attacker is honest about the possibility of staying at Verdeao for another season or two.
“To be honest, I think every kid who plays football, it's their dream to play in the Champions League, to play with the best players in the world in Europe. This is a completely different situation. We are always looking for it. Whenever an opportunity came, I am very happy to make this dream come true,” he said.
Abel Ferreira publicly stated that he will ask Leila Pereira to keep Esteva until 2027. In fact, the player was asked if the Portugal coach had advised him to stay at the club.
“No, no… he's played football too, he knows how it works. He left it to us, my family and my managers”, he replied without blinking an eye.
Stephen and the future in England
Estevao also commented on the adaptation of England and the Premier League.
“I think it depends on me. I develop and help the team in different ways, which will happen one way or another. Of course I will do my best, because here in Palmeiras there are already mature guys, there are guys. I've already been through many situations and I'm sure there will be difficulties at Chelsea too, but we can overcome it and overcome everything.
“It's always cool to have great players in the Premier League, one of the strongest leagues in the world. It's always cool watching these games, but, like I said, first I have to do my part here in Palmeiras. , devote myself more and more here and then go there”, concluded Esteva.
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