Estevao Willian snubs Chelsea at Club World Cup as wonderkid explains rejecting offer

Chelsea new boy Estevao Willian has turned down the chance to join his soon-to-be team-mates at the Club World Cup, having been knocked out by the Blues before he links up with them later this summer. The Brazilian wonderkid has stayed with Palmeiras despite officially signing a deal with Chelsea over a year ago.

The deal initially stated that he would remain with Palmeiras until his 18th birthday, which occurred in April. However, the west London outfit allowed him to stay until after the Club World Cup, where they were, incidentally, drawn to play each other in the quarter-final stage.

The teenager scored the equaliser in the 53rd minute, after Cole Palmer had given Chelsea the lead, before an own goal from Agustin Giay heartbreakingly ended the South American giants' campaign.

Chelsea would have been impressed with Estevao's performance on the big stage as they prepare to welcome him for next season's Premier League. And they offered him the chance to spend the rest of the tournament with them, but he has turned down that opportunity.

"I had to ask [Dario] Essugo what Cole had said to me," Estevao explained to The Sun. "He laughed a bit before translating, telling me 'Cole said he's excited for you and want you to come with us after the game'.

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"I wanted to stay some more time with my team pals. I came here with them. And I should go back to Brazil with them. My heart is broken because only we know how hard we worked. But I leave with pride. And I am happy to have a giant club as Chelsea opening its doors to me.

"I just wanted to show my new fans in England who I am. That it is all. I hope to learn. I am sure I come to London to evolve, and to make history there too.

"Chelsea, though, can wait a few more days. I want to say goodbye properly to each and every player, technical staff and working person at our base camp."

Chelsea appear to be getting not just a world-class talent on their hands, but also a humble character, evidenced by his desire to share a proper goodbye with those at Palmeiras.

He could cost as much as £54million if all add-ons are met, an eyebrow-raising fee for a 17-year-old who had played less than 50 senior games at the time, but his performances so far have the Stamford Bridge faithful eagerly awaiting his arrival.

Estevao will not be short on competition, with Joao Pedro, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Kendry Paez arriving this summer and Palmer, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Tyrique George already at the club.

But few would be surprised if Estevao makes an early impression on Enzo Maresca.