Brazilian prodigy Estevao Willian has revealed that his move to Chelsea was largely influenced by the club’s clear vision and structure.
The 18-year-old arrived in England on Tuesday and was officially unveiled by the Blues, who had agreed a deal with Palmeiras for his transfer in 2024 for an initial amount worth up to £29 million.
The highly-rated youngster was also courted by the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Arsenal before agreeing a deal to join the London side.
“Their plans, the structure and the club – everything,’ Estevao revealed.
‘But mainly the plans and the project the club has is what interested me and my family, and I think it was the best decision we could have made.
I have come here to England with my family. They are everything to me. For them to be here means everything to me.”
Estevao showed a glimpse of his talent and capped a man of the match display with a goal in Palmeiras’ 2-1 defeat to Chelsea during the FIFA Club World Cup.
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The youngster also expressed desire to achieve success in England and follow in the footsteps of other Brazilians to have donned the iconic Blue jersey.
‘Eden Hazard is the one that I watched the most at Chelsea,’ Estevao added. ‘He’s ace. [And] it’s a pleasure to be here where so many Brazilians made history.
I hope to follow those who wrote a beautiful story here at Chelsea just like they did. After I had signed for Chelsea and in the final game of 2024, I played against Thiago Silva. He came and talked to me”, he added.
“He said I was going to love the club, which has an incredible structure and is an incredible club. And now [I am here], I can see how amazing this club is.
[My long-term goals at Chelsea are] I want to win all the titles possible: the Premier League and the Champions League as well”, the 18-year-old concluded.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
