Estevao Willian reveals special message from Chelsea legend Thiago Silva & preferred shirt number ahead of his arrival at Stamford Bridge

The teenage wonderkid, who is affectionately known as Messinho, will complete a switch to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2025 after turning 18. For now, he continues to catch the eye in his homeland for Palmeiras and has already earned senior international recognition with Brazil.

The talented winger is looking forward to testing himself in the Premier League, despite facing fierce competition for places in west London, and has been given words of encouragement by an iconic countryman that won the Champions League during his four years in English football.

Estevao has told ESPN Brasil: “Thiago Silva spoke to me after our last game [against Fluminense]. He said that the club is top and they are waiting for me with open arms.”

The 17-year-old went on to say of the shirt that he is hoping to inherit at Chelsea: “If they give me 41 [his Palmeiras number], it will be cool. Maybe in the future, I will play where I feel most comfortable, which is inside.”

Chelsea have nobody filling the No.41 jersey on their squad list at present, so Estevao may get his wish. He will be looking to follow in illustrious footsteps at Stamford Bridge, with Thiago Silva, Willian, David Luiz, Ramires and Oscar among the Brazilian stars to have previously shone brightly for the Blues.