Teenage Palmeiras forward Estevao has said that his team will be ready and motivated for the FIFA Club World Cup when the tournament begins in the United States next month.
Palmeiras will begin its campaign against Porto in New Jersey on June 15 before also facing Inter Miami and Al Ahly in the group stage.
Beforehand, the Brazilian club must overcome a hectic schedule, which includes fixtures in the Brazilian Serie A, Copa do Brasil and Copa Libertadores.
“We are getting ourselves ready every day,” Estevao told reporters after scoring twice in Palmeiras’ 3-0 home win over Ceara in the Copa do Brasil third round on Thursday.
“As the manager [Abel Ferreira] said to us, these games are giving us an opportunity to fine-tune for the Club World Cup. I think our team is growing, developing and we are going to be very well prepared.”
Estevao, who will join Chelsea in July, has been in impressive form for the Sao Paulo-based club, with 10 goals in 29 games across all competitions this year.
He admitted he will find it hard to say goodbye to Palmeiras and its fans before his move to London.
“I’m going to miss the atmosphere at Allianz, the energy that these fans bring and what they represent for this club,” the 18-year-old said.
“I’m trying to enjoy the rest of my time here as much as I can.” While Estevao’s near-term focus is on Palmeiras, the attacker did not hide his enthusiasm at the prospect of representing Brazil at next year’s FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“It will depend on me and how I perform,” said Estevao, who has been capped four times for his country.
“I know that if I put the work in for Palmeiras, things will flow naturally.”
UNI/XINHUA BM
