doesn’t speak any English yet, making verbal communication nearly impossible for now.
Palmer took the chance to greet Chelsea’s incoming star after the final whistle of their 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarter-final.
Both players found the net before a late own goal secured Chelsea’s place in the semi-finals, in what was Estevão’s final appearance for Palmeiras before linking up with the Blues.
And Palmer said: “I just said we are excited for you to join, but he didn’t understand a single word I said.”
Eager to get his message across, Cole Palmer enlisted the help of Portuguese teammate Dario Essugo to act as a translator.
Despite the language barrier, Palmer and Estevão managed to exchange shirts after the final whistle. The Brazilian teenager is expected to officially link up with Chelsea later this month when the squad returns for pre-season training following the Club World Cup.
Estevão’s goal in the match offered a glimpse of the talent Chelsea fans can look forward to.
He dazzled throughout the game with his balance, skill, and flair before Chelsea secured a well-earned victory.
Both Palmer and Estevão are seen as key figures in Chelsea’s future, and the two shared a brief hug after the match, with cameras capturing Palmer’s attempt to start a conversation.
Fans on social media quickly noticed and reacted to the touching interaction.
One fan said: “I love how unserious Palmer is.”
Another wrote: “Palmer will always be Palmer with the way he interacts with other players.”
A third added: “Palmer, you’ll need to teach him English.”
Despite the language barrier the light-hearted moment shows the warm welcome Chelsea’s current stars are ready to offer the Brazilian star when he arrives for pre-season.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will be hoping the teenager settles in quickly once he links up with the squad in a few weeks.