Andrey Santos hints Chelsea first-team role upon Brazil return after Silva & Jorginho admission

Andrey Santos is relishing his return to Chelsea once he has fulfilled his commitments for Brazil.

The 18-year-old was signed from Vasco da Gama earlier this month in an £18 million deal, beating Newcastle United and Manchester City to his signature.

Chelsea penned the midfielder down to a long-term contract in the capital, but he was allowed to be released for Brazil U20 duty in January for the U20 South American Championship.

“I got there (at Chelsea), talked to them and they made me feel at ease, accepted and wished me good luck,” Santos told ge.globo in an interview while at the U20 Championships.

“I’m sure they’re rooting for me, they’ve already sent me a message to keep it up.”

Santos and Brazil have played three matches so far in the tournament in Colombia, collecting seven points, with the teenager scoring in all of the games which sees them top of Group A heading into the final group game against Paraguay on Saturday.

He will return to Chelsea at some point next month, who are hoping to secure a work permit for the 18-year-old.

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“It’s a dream come true to play for one of the biggest clubs in Europe, a huge club like Chelsea,” added Santos.  

“I am very happy. Everyone who is close to me knows that it was my goal when I was 18 to be in Europe, and, thank God, I was able to achieve it.”

Santos mentioned Chelsea duo Thiago Silva and Jorginho for welcoming him into the squad following his arrival, and is hoping to repay the pair and the rest of his teammates when he returns to Cobham.

He said: “Thiago and Jorginho are phenomenal guys, I always looked up to them, I always accompanied them, and I was very happy in the first contact for the way they treated me, for the simplicity, for the welcome. I hope to help them and the team a lot when I return.”

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