18-year-old Brazilian forward Estêvão joined Chelsea from Palmeiras for £29 million this summer and has quickly established himself in the star-studded Blues squad. Recently, Arsenal striker Gabriel Martinelli stated in an interview that he knows Estêvão well from their time together in the Brazilian national team, so he is not surprised by his compatriot’s brilliant displays.
Martinelli said: “Estêvão is a great kid, and so is his family – all very humble. They deserve all the good things happening to them. He’s incredibly talented, and everyone in the national team loves him. He’s earned everything he’s achieved; I just hope he doesn’t ‘fire on all cylinders’ this Sunday!”
“We’ve had some chats in the national team – not just me and him, but everyone together. So before he came to England, we knew how good he was. It’s no surprise to us because we’ve known him from Brazil for a long time. He deserves everything he has now, and I’m truly happy for him.”
Martinelli currently plays under world-renowned coach Carlo Ancelotti in the Brazilian national team and is enjoying his time working with the football legend. Ancelotti will lead Brazil at next year’s World Cup, and Martinelli believes the Italian manager is instilling a winning mentality in the team.
Martinelli said: “It’s amazing to have him in the national team. He’s won everything in football, and it’s an honor to play under him. I’m happy to work with him for Brazil and have Mikel Arteta at club level. Gabriel, Jesus, and I are very lucky to be coached by two top managers at the same time.”
“Ancelotti keeps everyone relaxed while instilling a mindset: we’re not just here to win the current game, we can go on to win the World Cup. When you’re on the pitch and see him on the sidelines, it feels very special. It’s fantastic to have him there.”
