Estevao Willian reveals Chelsea squad number preference as he offers insight into best position

Evening Standard

·11 December 2024

Estevao Willian reveals Chelsea squad number preference as he offers insight into best position

Estevao also revealed he has spoken to Thiago Silva about what to expect at Chelsea

Estevao Willian has revealed which shirt number he would most like to wear when he joins Chelsea in 2025.

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The 17-year-old Brazilian full international will join the Blues’ squad next July, upon his 18th birthday, from Brazilian top-flight club Palmeiras.

Chelsea signed him in June for a deal which, including add-ons, could be worth more than £50million.

Speaking to ESPN Brasil, Estevao said he would like to wear the same number at Chelsea that he currently dons for Palmeiras.

“I don't have [a preference], but I really like [wearing] 41. If I have 41 that would be cool,” he said.

“I've always been a No10 and I went to the wing to have one-on-ones. Of course, I respect Abel's [Ferreira, the Palmeiras manager] decision, I know that I've enjoyed it more on the wing, but who knows, maybe in the future I'll play where I feel more comfortable, which is inside.”

Estevao also revealed a conversation with former Chelsea defender Thiago Silva, now at Palmeiras’ Brazilian rivals Fluminense, where the 40-year-old told the teenager what to expect from life at Stamford Bridge.

“There are Chelsea agents here in Brazil who speak to you,” Estevao explained. “[Cole] Palmer speaks to me on Instagram , there's [Reece] James who said that if I needed anything I should speak to him.