Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca hails 'fantastic' Estevao after Club World Cup win

Enzo Maresca hailed new signed Estevao as 'fantastic' in what was the Brazilian's final game for Palmeiras before joining Chelsea.

The winger was signed by Chelsea last season with the Blues beating out some of Europe's top clubs to sign the exciting youngster, allowing him to stay on loan until after the Club World Cup.

Estevao's skill on the ball and direct running tormented Chelsea and saw him named man of the match despite being on the losing side, with the 18-year-old displaying all the talents Maresca wants in his wide men. Estevao scored a superb equaliser before Chelsea eventually got over the line, running out 2-1 winners, and Maresca was delighted by what he saw.

"I'm happy because we won and also happy because Estevao scored, the perfect night," said Maresca.

"He is very good, a huge talent, fantastic player. The only thing is when you come from South America or another part of the world is that you need to adapt.

"We are going to help him to adapt, be happy and enjoy football. We have no doubt he will be an important player for Chelsea."

Cole Palmer shared a moment with the man who could end up costing Chelsea £52m at the final whistle, and said after the game: "You can see he is a top player, so it is very exciting.

"I just said we are excited for you to join, but he didn't understand a single word I said."

Estevao, who's spent three years with Palmeiras, bid a tearful farewell to his manager after the game, and paid tribute to his former club.

"Palmeiras opened the door for me," Estevao said. "I was deeply happy in Palmeiras and my family knows how happy I was.

"I'm very happy I could score a goal to help my club. Unfortunately this wasn't the result we wanted but we gave our best on the pitch and now I am moving on."