Chelsea: Estevao Willian turns down Cole Palmer invite after Club World Cup clash | OneFootball

The youngster wanted to commiserate with his Palmeiras teammates

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Malik Ouzia

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Estevao Willian turned down Cole Palmer’s invitation to spend time with his future Chelsea teammates after facing the Blues at the Club World Cup.

“I had to ask Essugo what Cole had said to me,” Estevao remembered. “He laughed a bit before translating, telling me ‘Cole said he’s excited for you and wants you to come with us after the game’.”

But, Estevao chose to stay with his Palmeiras teammates, whom he has played alongside since 2023.

He went on: “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.

“My heart is broken because only we know how hard we worked, but I leave with pride.”

Palmer corroborated the tale at full time, telling reporters: “I told Estevao we are excited for you to join, but he didn’t understand a single word I said.”

Catching up: Estevao gets to know his new Chelsea teammates

AFP via Getty Images

Estevao’s is expected to play a first-team role on arrival in London, and has promised to ‘make history’ under Enzo Maresca.

“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.”

He has made no secret of his nerves ahead of the move, though, saying earlier in the tournament that he had found his last days with Palmeiras ‘difficult’.

“It’s not easy, you have to keep your head here. The closer it gets, the more anxiety sets in, the butterflies in your stomach.

“I’m trying to focus as much as possible here to leave well, with my head held high and through the front door and knowing that I gave my best.

“Sometimes it’s difficult, you imagine yourself in Europe, playing with several other players, with everything that Europe represents, a dream of mine.

“But I’m trying my best to focus my head here, because I have a lot to give to Palmeiras.”