Estêvão Confesses Anxiety Over Chelsea Signing: Abel Ferreira Defends Him

Abel Ferreira Defends Estêvão Against Criticism for His Signing with Chelsea

Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira defended Estêvão this Friday, after the young footballer admitted to feeling nervous about his imminent transfer to Chelsea. In statements to the press, the 18-year-old winger, Estêvão, revealed that he had experienced “anxiety” and “butterflies in his stomach” while waiting to finalize his move to Stamford Bridge next month, an agreement that was reached last June. Palmeiras will face Botafogo in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup, a match that will be played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

It’s really difficult. It’s like a dream I’m going to make come true.

Estêvão

The image shows Estêvão, who will join Chelsea next month after the Club World Cup. The player added: “I have to concentrate here, I have to work, but it’s not easy. The closer it gets, the more anxiety I feel. But I’m trying to concentrate here, to leave [Palmeiras] the right way.” Estêvão’s statements generated some criticism from fans and local media, who argued that it demonstrated a lack of focus on the club’s campaign in the tournament.

Do you know the difference between a human and an animal? What distinguishes one from the other? It’s feelings and emotions.

Abel Ferreira

Ferreira commented at a press conference on Friday: “It’s normal to be nervous in this type of match, to feel more anxiety. It’s normal for a boy who has a dream that is coming true. It’s normal that [Estêvão] feels that. He’s an 18-year-old boy, he was naive to say what he said. And many of you [the press] destroyed him, which is what you do with the players.” Estêvão started in the three group stage matches of the Club World Cup against Porto, Al Ahly and Inter Miami, and provided three assists. It is considered one of the most promising young talents in South America, and he debuted with the senior Brazilian national team last September.