Chelsea's rising star Estevao Willian has revealed a surprising act of understanding from Brazil's national team manager Carlo Ancelotti, who allowed the young player to miss training to take his driving test.
An Unusual Team Request
The 18-year-old winger, affectionately nicknamed 'Messinho' by fans, highlighted his youth when explaining how he received special permission to skip international football duties for the important life milestone.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Estevao explained: 'We were in Sao Paulo with the national team. Things were very hectic, and I only had a little time there before coming to England, so I needed to get my driving licence.'
'They gave me a specific time to take the driving test, and then I was called up for national duty,' the Chelsea player continued. 'That's when we spoke with Ancelotti to see if he would let me go to get my licence.'
The Manager's Surprising Reaction
The story took an unexpected turn when Ancelotti showed personal interest in the outcome of the young player's test.
'I went to take the driving test and Ancelotti was waiting for me at the door to see if I passed or not,' Estevao revealed. 'I said: "Sir, I passed, I passed!"'
The Italian manager's support didn't end there. 'Then, at lunchtime, he stopped everyone and said: "Stop everyone! I have news to share... Estevao has passed his driving test!". Everyone was laughing a lot.'
Repaying the Faith on the Pitch
The Chelsea youngster, who joined from Palmeiras last summer in an initial £29 million deal, quickly justified his manager's faith with his performance on the pitch.
During Brazil's 2-0 friendly victory against Senegal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, the young footballer repaid his manager's understanding by opening the scoring just before the half-hour mark.
The Brazilian teenager capitalized on a loose ball in the right side of the area and shot into the corner to beat former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Brazil's advantage doubled seven minutes later when Casemiro, unmarked, received a free-kick and the United midfielder converted.
The match represented Ancelotti's fourth victory in six games in charge of the South American giant, showing glimpses of the growing influence of the former Real Madrid manager with improved defensive performance and a clean sheet.
Ancelotti showered praise on Chelsea's young promise, who on Saturday played his 10th match for the north London national team.
'Estevao has incredible talent. This level at his age is a surprise,' said Ancelotti. 'He's good at finishing, has a lot of magic... and works very hard. I can say this: with Estevao, Brazil has a guaranteed future.'
In what will be music to the ears of Chelsea fans, the Italian coach added: 'He's a very talented player. He's capable of showing it in every match, at Chelsea too, and he doesn't need many minutes to show his quality. I think the Brazilian national team is very lucky to have him, and Chelsea too.'
Brazil will face Tunisia in their next friendly on Tuesday at the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium in Lille. Chelsea returns to Premier League action next Saturday at Burnley.
