Chelsea’s new superstar Estevao Willian SNUBS offer to join team-mates at Club World Cup for heartwarming reason
BRAZILIAN sensation Estevao Willian rejected the offer to spend the rest of the Club World Cup with his Chelsea team-mates – because he wanted to say a proper goodbye.
Enzo Maresca and the Blues hierarchy urged teenage starlet Estevao to share the Chelsea embrace after the youngster scored against his new side in the quarter-final showdown in Philadelphia.
Cole Palmer was just one of a clutch of Chelsea players who spoke to Estevao after the final whistle as they welcomed the youngster.
They included Reece James, who spoke his “welcome to Stamford Bridge” message in Portuguese, Enzo Fernandez, Liam Delap, Moises Caicedo and another new recruit, Dario Essugo.
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Despite being touched by the invitation, Estevao said he had a debt to his pals at Palmeiras that needed to be repaid before he could move on with the next chapter of his life in London.
That meant getting on a flight back to Sao Paulo rather than moving on to New York with Maresca’s men ahead of their semi-final against Fluminense.
The youngster explained: “I had to ask Essugo what Cole had said to me. He laughed a bit before translating, telling me ‘Cole said he’s excited for you and want you to come with us after the game’.”
Estevao added: “I wanted to stay some more time with my team pals.
“I came here with them. And I should go back to Brazil with them.
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“My heart is broken because only we know how hard we worked.
“But I leave with pride. And I am happy to have a giant club as Chelsea opening its doors to me.
“I just wanted to show my new fans in England who I am. That it is all.
“I hope to learn. I am sure I come to London to evolve, and to make history there too.
“Chelsea, though, can wait a few more days.
“I want to say goodbye properly to each and every player, technical staff and working person at our base camp.”
Estevao’s emotional departure was also a huge signal to Maresca and the Chelsea dressing room that they are getting a gem – and one close, potentially ready, to adorn the team.
Enzo told the 19-year-old: “We’ll make history together” while fellow Brazilian new boy Joao Pedro hugged him and said: “This is your new home, little brother.”
Delap offered a warm and enthusiastic handshake, Christopher Nkunku, Essugo and Caicedo pushed him gently and messed with his hair, before Brazilian Andrey Santos greeted him in their native tongue and spent a minute locked in an embrace of friendship.
There was a final, parting, conversation with Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira in a quiet hallway.
Ferreira said: “You’re leaving through the big door.
“But now it’s time to close cycles and believe in your future.”
Club World Cup 2025 Guide
SOME of the world’s biggest clubs are in action at this summer’s Club World Cup in the United States!
Chelsea are keeping Premier League hopes alive in the big tournament which is on until the final at New Jersey’s Metlife Stadium July 13.
Though Manchester City have been knocked out by Saudi Pro side Al-Hilal after losing in a 4-3 thriller.
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