COLE PALMER is banking on the language of football to do the talking with new team-mate Estevao Willian.
Because he has found out that they won’t be able to communicate any other way for a while as the Brazilian teenager cannot speak a word of English.
Palmer took the opportunity to meet Chelsea’s new signing after the final whistle following the Premier League side’s 2-1 win over Palmeiras at the Club World Cup.
Both lads scored before an own goal put the Premier League team through to the semi finals. The game was Estevao’s farewell before joining up with The Blues.
And Palmer said: “I just said we are excited for you to join, but he didn’t understand a single word I said.”
Keen to get his message across Palmer had to hire the service of Portuguese teammate Dario Essugo to help with the translation.
The two players did manage to swap shirts though. Estevao will join up with Chelsea later this month when they report back for pre-season training some time after the conclusion of the Club World Cup.
The Brazilian’s goal offered a glimpse of what’s to come when he finally arrives at Stamford Bridge.
Showing incredible balance, technique and flair throughout the game before Chelsea got a deserved win.
Winger Estevao and Palmer are tipped to be the faces of Chelsea’s future and the pair shared a brief embrace after the game with cameras catching the moment Palmer tried to strike up a conversation.
Fans on social media were quick to pick up on the exchange.
One fan said: “I love how unserious Palmer is.”
Another wrote: “Palmer will always be Palmer with the way he interacts with other players.”
A third added: “Palmer, you’ll need to teach him English.”
Despite the language barrier the light-hearted moment highlights the warm welcome Chelsea’s current stars are ready to offer the Brazilian wonderkid when he arrives for pre-season.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca will be hoping the teenager settles in quickly once he links up with the squad in a few weeks.
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