Teenage sensation Estevao said an emotional farewell to Palmeiras after the 2-1 defeat of the Brazilian club against Chelsea in the quarterfinals of the club World Cup on Friday.
The 18-year-old winger, who will join Chelsea after the tournament, scored a stunning equalizer, but remained deeply sad when a late goal sent the Premier League side to the semi-final.
The 53rd minute strike by Estevao showed the enormous talent that made him one of the smartest prospects of Brazil, and emphasized the gap he will leave in the Palmeiras team.
He took the ball on the right side of the box and ventured past Chelsea defender Levi Colwill and shot an unstoppable shot from a tight corner that went from the bottom of the bar.
It was a moment of glare that briefly revived the Brazilian hope after Cole Palmer Chelsea placed in the first half.
“I am happy that I helped my team with the goal,” he said in an emotional press conference after he was called the player of the game.
“Unfortunately it wasn't the result we wanted, but I think it's good. We all gave ourselves on the field, and that is what is important.”
The teenager has reserved a special praise for Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira, whom he called “a father figure” and was credited to help him grow as a player.
“Coach, thank you very much for everything,” said Estevao. “He taught me to play tactically, and that was very important to me. Palmeiras opened doors for me, and I was very happy here.
“My family and I are so grateful to the club for Abel and for my teammates for everything they did for me. I will wear Palmeiras in my heart forever.”
The performance of Estevao against Chelsea was a bittersweet farewell, his goal that shows why he is so highly regarded and the defeat that marks the end of his Palmeiras trip.
The emotions were much easier for Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
“Fortunately because we won, happy because he scored, so it's a perfect night,” he said.
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