Estevao Willian has made an admission over his move to Chelsea after playing in all three of the club’s Premier League games so far this term.
The 18-year-old Brazil international arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer from Palmeiras with Chelsea paying an initial fee of around £29m.
It is believed that performance-related add-ons could see the deal reach a total figure of around £51m for the teenage winger.
Estevao has admitted in a new interview that he’s surprised at how many opportunities he’s been handed so early into his switch to west London.
He feels performances in training have been a factor in Enzo Maresca’s decision to give him lots of game time at the start of the 2025-26 season.
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‘It’s happening very quickly, and I’m already getting a lot of opportunities there,’ Estevao told Globo Esporte.
‘More than I even expected at Chelsea. 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 recently explained why he joined Chelsea and snubbed transfer moves to the likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
‘Their plans, the structure and the club – everything,’ Estevao said. ‘But mainly the plans and the project the club has is what interested me and my family, and I think it was the best decision we could have made.’
Estevao hopes to follow in the footsteps of a number of Brazilian players who’ve featured for the Blues over the years – including Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Ramires, Oscar and Willian.
‘It’s a pleasure to be here where so many Brazilians made history,’ Estevao added.
‘I hope to follow those who wrote a beautiful story here at Chelsea just like they did.’