Chelsea bound Estevao aims for more international success

RIO DE JANEIRO - Teenage forward Estevao said on Thursday that his first experience with Brazil's national team had provided an invaluable learning experience, despite the side's stuttering form in South America's World Cup qualifiers.

Estevao played a combined total of 32 minutes in Brazil's 1-0 home victory over Ecuador last Friday and the 1-0 away defeat to Paraguay.

The 17-year-old Palmeiras star said it was enough to motivate him to return to the international stage with a greater impact in the near future.

"It was very important for me, I hope to return more often," Estevao told reporters.

"I am very grateful for the opportunity to have been called up to the Brazilian national team for the first time. It was a very good experience for me and I was able to learn from many different people."

Estevao, who has signed a contract to join Chelsea next July, is considered one of Brazilian football's brightest talents.

Since turning professional late last year, he has made 27 first-team appearances for Palmeiras and scored eight goals.

And while he has lofty ambitions in Europe and for Brazil's national team, Estevao is currently focused on helping Palmeiras in their quest for back-to-back Brazilian Serie A titles.

"It is very gratifying for me to represent Palmeiras, the biggest club in Brazil," he said. "Having been with the national team and now coming back is a good feeling. I'm enjoying being with my teammates and my family again, and I'm focused on doing well for the rest of the season." - XINHUA