Chelsea-bound Estevao Willian rejected a chance to join up with Blues squad for the remainder of the Club World Cup in the US as he wanted to bid a proper goodbye to his boyhood club Palmeiras. The youngster scored in his final game for the Brazilian side against his future club but they crashed out of the competition after suffering a 2-1 defeat in the quarter-finals.
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Article continues below
Article continues below
- Chelsea stars invited Estevao to join CWC squad
- Youngster politely declined invitation
- Blues face Fluminense in the semi-finals
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Estevao, who had a terrific outing in the Club World Cup, scored an outrageous goal from a near-impossible angle in his final game for Palmeiras against future employers Chelsea in the quarter-finals. Although the Brazilian giants crashed out of the competition after a 2-1 defeat, the teenager signed off in a memorable manner.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
After the match, some of the Blues stars like Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, Enzo Fernandez, Reece James and Dario Essugo invited the youngster to join the squad for the rest of the tournament, but the new Chelsea recruit politely declined the invitation.
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WHAT ESTEVAO SAID
Speaking to reporters, the winger said: "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'. 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. 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."
- AFP
WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?
Enzo Maresca's Chelsea side will be back in action in the Club World Cup semi-finals on Tuesday as they take on another Brazilian side, Fluminense, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
