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Chelsea star Cole Palmer recently shared what he told Palmeira’s prodigy Estevao Willian after their 2-1 victory in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter final. The 18-year-old Palmeiras sensation found the net against Chelsea but couldn’t prevent his team from falling short—allowing the Blues to secure a £60 million payday by advancing. Chelsea, who will face Fluminense in the semi-finals in New York on Tuesday, also got an exciting preview of what’s to come, as Estevao has already agreed to a £29.1 million-plus move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
In the match, Palmer opened the scoring, but Estevao Willian drew Palmeira’s level in the second half. An own goal by Agustin Giay ultimately sealed Chelsea’s 2-1 victory. The Blues will now face another Brazilian side, Fluminense, in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals. England international Palmer was highly impressed seeing Estevao’s talent up close for the first time, though the young Brazilian might need to brush up on his English. Fortunately, Portuguese teammate Dario Essugo was there to help translate, bridging the gap between the future Chelsea teammates.
I just said we look forward to seeing you: Cole Palmer to Estevao William
According to Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport, Cole Palmer told Estevao that the team is looking forward to having him join this summer. However, due to the language barrier, Estevao couldn’t quite understand what Palmer said. “I just said we look forward to seeing you, but he didn't understand that word I said! Palmer mentioned Ben. “He's a top player. He's only young as well. When he comes to England, people need to give him time to adapt to the culture, the language," Palmer further mentioned to Ben.
Estevao, already a Brazilian international, is regarded as a generational talent in his homeland and widely touted as the nation’s most exciting prospect since Neymar. Palmer, no stranger to the spotlight himself, is clearly eager to link up with Estevao, who turned heads with a stunning goal that left the entire stadium in awe. Showcasing incredible skill, Estevao’s strike thundered off the crossbar, highlighting exactly why he’s so highly rated.
The quarter-final showdown with Chelsea was Willian’s final appearance for Palmeiras before his move to Stamford Bridge. The Blues secured the 18-year-old sensation last year in a deal worth €52 million.
