"DON'T REFER TO ME AS "LITTLE MESSI"; NEYMAR IS MY INSPIRATION," STATED CHELSEA PRODIGY ESTEVAO

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BY MUNIRAT BALOGUN

Chelsea’s youthful prodigy, Estevao Willian, has disclosed that his fellow countryman Neymar serves as his footballing inspiration, while acknowledging that he and his family were never fond of the moniker “Messinho” (Little Messi) bestowed upon him during his formative years in Brazil.

The 17-year-old captured attention over the weekend by scoring his inaugural goal for Chelsea, netting a decisive late strike that secured a 2-1 triumph over reigning champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

In a conversation with the media, Estevao articulated that his reverence for Neymar was established at a young age:

He remarked, “My awareness of Nike was solely due to Neymar. ”

“He was my hero during my upbringing, and he donned Nike footwear while playing for Santos. However, I was too youthful to fully comprehend the implications of signing with Nike. In my mind, I simply believed I would receive complimentary boots each month. I had no understanding of the brand’s global stature. When they informed me I would be wearing the same boots as Neymar, I was ecstatic. ”

Notwithstanding his admiration for Neymar, Estevão’s left-footed artistry earned him a nickname inspired by Barcelona icon Lionel Messi, a designation he claims he never fully accepted.

“I can’t recall who coined it, but it quickly gained traction,” he stated.

“Neither my family nor I ever particularly liked it. Occasionally, a nickname like that becomes an unwelcome burden. You just aspire to play football, to engage in what you cherish – but such a label introduces a pressure that isn’t yours to bear. Fortunately, I was able to leave it behind upon my transition to Palmeiras. ”

The Brazilian talent also revealed that he commenced learning English 18 months prior, well before his transfer to Chelsea, motivated by a desire to prepare for his future.

“Long before I accepted Chelsea’s proposition, I informed my parents of my wish to learn English. “