'I thought it would take longer!' - Estevao Willian opens up on 'incredible adaptation' at Chelsea with Brazilian sensation revelling in 'happiest moment of my life'

The Brazilian wonderkid completed a transfer to Stamford Bridge from Palmeiras over the summer after turning 18. He lined up against the Blues, registering a goal against them, at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Estevao, who is known as ‘Messinho’ in his homeland, has been thrown in at the Premier League deep end. That challenge has been embraced, becoming the youngest player to register a top-flight assist for Chelsea. He has also opened his senior goal account for Brazil - with the target being found in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Chile at the Maracana.

Estevao told Globo Esporte of a whirlwind few weeks: “It's happening very quickly, and I'm already getting a lot of opportunities there, 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.”

Pressed further on whether he expected Chelsea fans to come up with a song for him so quickly, Estevao added: “No! I only heard ‘Estevao’ - the little song. But the affection I see the fans have for me - and the coaching staff, everyone at Chelsea - is incredible. Since I arrived, I've felt at home.

I think I'm developing now at Chelsea; I'm getting the opportunity and taking advantage of it. It's been incredible. I'm loving Chelsea, I'm loving London. I don't think it could be better. Wow, I think it is the happiest moment of my life.”

Chelsea, who have made an unbeaten start to the 2025-26 campaign, will be back in action on Saturday when taking in a fourth successive London derby date - with a short trip to neighbours Brentford next on the agenda.