Estewan: Palmer sent me a message in English, it was too difficult to understand and listen to it with translation software

Hupu reported on October 7 that 442 Magazine had an exclusive interview with Brazilian international footballer Esteban.

Talk about his English proficiency

"Before I accepted Chelsea's invitation, I told my parents that I wanted to learn English. Although I didn't know that I would eventually go to England, I knew that this was a skill I would need in the future."

He started learning 18 months ago. As 2025 approaches, so does a sense of urgency—every workday, between games and training sessions.

"Sometimes, it's hard to fit classes into the schedule. I prefer face-to-face, but if I have to, I'll go online."

"I want to adapt as quickly as possible," he added without hesitation. "Being able to participate in top competitions such as the Premier League and Champions League is simply a dream come true. The 2026 World Cup is also my goal, but first, I must prove myself at Chelsea."

Why did you choose to leave Brazil so early?

"I want to see everywhere, I love the tradition of football. England is so connected to football and I want to enjoy it all."

After our last Copa Brasil game at home to Fluminense, I had a chat with Thiago Silva and he had nothing but praise for the club, the people and the whole experience. Absolutely. He said it would be incredible for me."

On why he used Palmer's Cold celebration

"I remembered that celebration after signing for Chelsea, and then Palmer saw it and messaged me and said he couldn't wait to work with me.

He used it. It's in British English - a bit difficult for me - so I had to use translation software! To be honest, I also replied to him in English! "

Talking about the Premier League-level confrontation he may face

"Of course, I know I need to improve myself at some point and make myself stronger physically, but I'm not too worried.

To do this, I need to go through a thorough training, but I know what I can show on the court, my strength, and my ability to affect the game. Strength is not always the deciding factor. I truly believe in my potential. "

The young star's fearless playing style is simply mesmerizing. He would lose the ball, or shoot wide, but moments later he would regain the ball, try a new play, take another risk. Not only was he unafraid of making mistakes, it was as if those mistakes would go unnoticed at all.

"It all comes from my dad, who always told me: 'Never give up on being yourself.'

If I make a mistake in a game, I don't have time to dwell on it. You only have a few seconds to react because the ball can come back to you at any time and you have to be ready.

My dad has always instilled this in me—stay alert and trust your instincts. If there's room to pass someone, I go through it.

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If passing the ball is the better option, I will pass the ball. I will do what I know and what I have been trained to do. I know what I'm capable of. I know what I have. That's why I don't make mistakes. I believe in my beliefs and I will keep working hard until I succeed. ”

In 2016, Esteban shined at one of Brazil’s most prestigious youth tournaments, the GoCup, while in Cruzeiro, and Nike contacted him.

"The reason why I know Nike is because of Neymar, who has been my idol since I was a child. He also wore Nike sneakers when he played for Santos.

But I was too young at the time to really understand what signing with Nike meant. All I thought about at the time was that I could get free sneakers every month. I had no idea how popular this brand was around the world. When they told me I would be wearing the same boots as Neymar, I was ecstatic."

If the young prodigy once idolized Neymar, his nimble left foot and Cruzeiro's No. 10 jersey soon earned him a nickname: Mesinho, meaning "Little Messi," inspired by his rival legend. Esteban never liked the comparison and worked hard to shake it off.

"I can't remember who came up with the name, but it caught on very quickly and neither I nor my family liked the nickname very much. Sometimes a nickname like that becomes a burden you don't want to bear.

You just want to play football and do what you love - but that kind of label puts pressure on you that doesn't belong to you. Thankfully, I was able to get rid of it after moving to Palmeiras."