As Chelsea prepare to face Brazilian giants Palmeiras, there is one obvious subplot to the upcoming showdown.
The Blues face Palmeiras on Saturday in a Club World Cup quarter-final. Without a doubt, much attention is on the youngster Estevao Willian going into the knockout tie.
Estevao, 18, is playing his final games for Palmeiras at this summer tournament before he completes his move to Chelsea, so it’s fate that he’s now getting ready to play against his future employers.
Palmeiras supporters are sceptical about Estevao playing against Chelsea, but the reality is he’s available for selection after starting every game for his side in the competition so far.
Estevao Willian makes claim about his future ahead of Chelsea showdown
During an interview with AS this week, Estevao admitted he can imagine playing in La Liga further down the line in his career, which has grabbed the attention of Chelsea supporters.
When asked if he will play in Spain’s top division in the future, Estevao said: “Yes, of course. It’s a huge league, with great teams and players. It would be incredible to have the opportunity to play in Spain one day, but right now I’m only focused on Chelsea and, before that, the match against them with Palmeiras in this World Cup.”
Perhaps it’s a bit of naivety from the youngster to express his desire to play in Spain before he’s even kicked a ball in Chelsea colours.
Once he officially joins the Blues, we’re sure everyone will judge him for what he does on the pitch.
Cole Palmer has expressed his excitement about Estevao’s arrival, but first they will be coming up against each other at the Club World Cup.
Chelsea fans furious with Estevao Willian comments about La Liga dream
A selection of Chelsea supporters on social media are majorly upset with Estevao after his comments about playing in La Liga emerged.
Here are Blues fans on X frustrated with their future attacker:
One fan said: “So he wants to use us as a stepping stone?”
“Bro hasn’t reached Chelsea and he’s already looking at Barcelona, Real Madrid,” another wrote.
One fan commented: “Legit sees us as a stepping stone already.”
“I know he doesn’t mean any harm but this is wrong on all levels and I keep talking about loyalty because it’s the only attribute Chelsea deserves from its players,” another posted.
At the age of 18, Estevao is going to make mistakes along the way. It’s worth adding that his interview about La Liga was with a Spanish publication, too.
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