Brazilian teenager Estevao Willian has said an emotional farewell to Palmeiras after his final match for the club, a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup. The 18-year-old, who has agreed a £29 million-plus transfer to Chelsea, scored a stunning goal but could not prevent his side from exiting the tournament.
Estevao was named man of the match despite being on the losing side. He admitted it had been difficult to focus amid the transfer speculation but insisted he gave his all. “I did everything, everything. That's it - we have to move on. I am leaving Palmeiras and move on from this group,” he said.
The forward paid tribute to Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira, calling him his “professor”. “He gave me everything. He taught me how to play. He trained me, I learned a lot from him,” Estevao added. “Palmeiras opened the door for me. I was deeply happy in Palmeiras.”
Estevao made his senior Brazil debut at 17 and has won five caps. He is regarded as a generational talent, with comparisons to Neymar. Joao Paulo Sampaio, head of Palmeiras’ youth academy, told the BBC: “Estevao is the best player to have emerged from Brazilian football since Neymar. You watch him and you fall in love.”
