Estevao Willian is officially a Chelsea player! Brazilian wonderkid arrives from Palmeiras as Blues return for pre-season training
Joins Chelsea team-mates for pre-season
Deal announced one year ago
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Chelsea fans have had to wait a year to see Estevao in their shirt but the moment has finally arrived as the Blues begin their pre-season preparations. The young forward joins from Palmeiras having faced his new side at the Club World Cup this summer. But now his extended loan spell with the Brazilian giants is over, he can finally get a taste of life with the World Champions.
WHAT ESTEVAO SAID
Speaking to the club website, Estevao said: "I am very happy, it feels very rewarding to represent Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world,' Estevao said during his first day at Chelsea. 'I am very happy and I hope to help the team in the best way possible.
"I had almost a year and a half to wait until I arrived here. But it has been a year and a half that I have worked hard and have done my best to get here in the best shape possible.
"I am very, very excited. It is a new experience in my life, a new stage. I am looking forward to it and hope that it will go as well as possible."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
While Estevao's arrival has been anticipated for the best part of 14 months, he faces serious competition for places at Stamford Bridge. The winger will have to fight the likes of Cole Palmer, Jamie Gittens and Pedro Neto for a place in Enzo Maresca's starting XI.
WHAT NEXT FOR ESTEVAO?
The 18-year-old may get his first taste of action in a Chelsea shirt when the Blues face Bayer Leverkusen on Friday, before kicking off their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace on 17 August.
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