Coach Abel Ferreira didn’t shy away from praising Estêvão, whose performance took Palmeiras from a 2-0 deficit to clinch a 2-2 draw against Grêmio.
The young forward’s vital goal not only salvaged a point for his team but also stressed why top-tier clubs like Chelsea are eager to secure his services.
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However, Ferreira also voiced a bittersweet sentiment about losing such talents, which could have formed a formidable “golden generation” for the club.
He reflected on the broader issue of talent drain, mentioning other young prospects like Endrick and Luís Guilherme, who are also Europe-bound. Ferreira dreamt of a “golden generation” at Palmeiras, but it’s now fractured by lucrative offers from abroad.
Ferreira pointed out the stark reality of football economics, stating, “the euros and pounds speak louder.” This shows the struggle Brazilian clubs face in keeping their talent, as money often trumps sports.