Estevao reveals surprise at Chelsea role after finalising summer transfer as fans come up with new chant | OneFootball

The young Brazilian has made an instant impact since arriving in west London

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Estevao has admitted his surprise at how much game time he is already being given at Chelsea, describing the early months at his new club as “the happiest moment of my life”.

The teenage star joined the Blues this summer from Palmeiras after turning 18.

Having scored against Chelsea in the Club World Cup, he has made an instant impact since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Making his debut off the bench in their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, he was thrown into the starting line-up minutes before the second game against West Ham when Cole Palmer pulled up in the warm-up.

Estevao became the youngest player ever to assist a Premier League goal for Chelsea as the Blues ran out 5-1 winners, retaining his place in the starting line-up for the 2-0 win over Fulham.

He scored his first international goal for Brazil in last Friday’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Chile at the Maracana.

“It's happening very quickly, and I'm already getting a lot of opportunities there, more than I even expected at Chelsea,” he said in an interview with Globo Esporte.

“But I think it's the result of the hard work and dedication I've maintained in training. [Enzo] Maresca has a lot of confidence in me to play, even arriving in a new league, in a new country. I try to repay that on the field by giving my all. And this adaptation has been incredible.

“I thought it would take a little longer to adapt, because of the climate and the language. But, thank God, it's happening very quickly. I'm already getting used to the language well.

“The climate there has helped a lot during the three weeks I've been there, because it's not cold, it's hot. It's getting dark by nine o'clock at night. So, I think that was crucial for me too, for my adaptation. It's been really, really, really good, I'm loving it.”

Estevao is off the mark for Brazil

REUTERS

Estevao was asked whether he expected Chelsea fans to be chanting his name so early on in his time at the club.

“No,” he replied. “I only heard ‘Estevao’ — the little song. But the affection I see the fans have for me — and the coaching staff, everyone at Chelsea — is incredible. Since I arrived, I've felt at home.

“I think I'm developing now at Chelsea; I'm getting the opportunity and taking advantage of it.

“It's been incredible. I'm loving Chelsea, I'm loving London. I don't think it could be better. Wow, I think it is the happiest moment of my life.”