Incoming Chelsea winger Estevao Willian has said he is finding it difficult to see out his career with Palmeiras.
Estevao is preparing to join the club this summer after a transfer was sealed last June for an initial fee of around £29million that could rise to as much as £55m with future add-ons.
The Brazilian will officially join the Blues on July 1, 2025. But before that he has at least one more Club World Cup fixture to fulfil for Palmeiras.
In an all-Brazilian clash this weekend, the Alviverde will face Botafogo in the round of 16 where the winner could come up against Chelsea in the quarter-final if Enzo Maresca’s side qualify for the knockout stage and are on their side of the draw.
Estevao was ever-present for Palmeiras as they topped Group A ahead of Inter Miami by virtue of a superior goal difference, but the 18-year-old admits he has found it hard to focus on the Club World Cup.
Speaking to reporters he said: “(It’s) very difficult, it’s a dream that I’m going to make come true, knowing that I have to focus here and work.
“It’s not easy, you have to keep your head here. The closer it gets, the more anxiety sets in, the butterflies in your stomach.
“I’m trying to focus as much as possible here to leave well, with my head held high and through the front door and knowing that I gave my best.
“Sometimes it’s difficult, you imagine yourself in Europe, playing with several other players, with everything that Europe represents, a dream of mine.
“But I’m trying my best to focus my head here, because I have a lot to give to Palmeiras.”
