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Estevao Willian finally made his competitive Chelsea debut at the weekend after more than a year of anticipation.
The 18-year-old winger is regarded as one of the most exciting talents in world football and officially became a Blues player this summer. The Brazilian was signed by Chelsea in the summer of 2024 for an initial £34million, although that fee could rise significantly depending on performance-related add-ons inserted into his contract at Stamford Bridge.
After playing for Palmeiras in the Club World Cup and even scoring against Chelsea during the tournament, Estevao joined up with his new teammates after a small break and has been made to feel right at home. Enzo Maresca brought the teenager on against Crystal Palace on Sunday, replacing Jamie Gittens in the 54th minute, and it didn't take him long until he demonstrated his trickery, dribbling ability and skill.
Estevao also wasn't afraid to get stuck in and the wonderkid is now looking forward to establishing himself as a Premier League footballer. "I feel so good," the winger told Chelsea's official website.
"It's an incredible experience to be here playing in the Premier League and I’m just so grateful I have been given the opportunity here. I have adapted a lot quicker than I thought I would thanks to the manager, the coaching staff and all my new team-mates.
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"They have all helped me so much and given everything to me since I arrived to make me feel comfortable and give me confidence. Everyone has helped me adapt to the game, but also the new conditions here."
He added: "I'm enjoying every minute and I’m not trying to make things happen faster. I’m just trying to take it day by day and enjoy it as much as I can."
Estevao admitted he has "connected well" with Cole Palmer already and praised Blues supporters for the way they have welcomed him to the club. "The way the fans have treated me since I arrived has been incredible, so I am going to do my best to make them happy," he said.
"I am just going to keep working hard every single day. I want to win matches and if we do that, we will win trophies as well."
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