Estevao's Agent Explains Why He Picked Chelsea Over Real Madrid And Arsenal

Estevao's agent Andre Cury has revealed the key factor that "weighed heavily" in his client's decision to join Chelsea over other interested clubs.

Since arriving from Palmeiras in the summer, Estevao has been one of Chelsea's standout performers, despite being largely limited to substitute appearances in the Premier League.

The teenager has netted five goals in 11 games for the Blues in all competitions, with Tuesday night's wonderful solo goal against Barcelona in the Champions League being the pick of the bunch.

Estevao announced himself on the biggest of stages against the reigning La Liga champions, but Enzo Maresca was keen to temper expectations in his post-match interview.

“Him, Lamine, they are so young, with 18, that if you start to talk about Messi, Ronaldo, I think it's too much pressure for a young boy like them," he said.

"They need to enjoy, they need to arrive at the training ground, happy, session, but when you start to compare them with Messi or with Ronaldo, I think it's too much for them.”

Ahead of Estevao's masterclass on Tuesday night, it emerged that Real Madrid have some 'regret' over missing out on the Brazil international.

A number of European clubs were linked with a move for the 18-year-old, including Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid, who analysed the player while he was still playing for Palmeiras.

A report from ESPN Brasil gave an insight into their failed move for the player. "Behind the scenes at Real Madrid, there is growing unease over the fact that the club didn’t pursue Estevao when he was still at Palmeiras," they said.

"The Brazilian gem was analysed, but the Merengue club decided not to proceed – a decision that, today, is viewed with some regret given the player’s immediate impact at Chelsea and with the national team."

Estevao's agent opens up on why teenager picked Chelsea over other clubs

Andre Cury, the agent of Estevao, has previously revealed that Chelsea's willingness to let his client play in a more central, attacking midfield role was a crucial factor behind the transfer.

"It was the only club that saw us as No 10, to play in midfield," Cury told O Globo. "I may be wrong, but we will have the opportunity. I think we will be right, so that was also something that weighed heavily."

Cury believes that Estevao's best position is through the middle.

"In my opinion, on my team he plays as a ten," he added. "They like to put him on the wing. I think it's too narrow for a player of that quality, I think that... like all players of that quality in the world, he's usually the No 10, so the No 10 plays inside."

“Let him cook. Let him play.” 🗣️

Thierry Henry on Estêvão and the disappearing art of dribbling 👨‍🎨 pic.twitter.com/5WCdaItdQa

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 25, 2025

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