Chelsea boost as teen wonderkid Andrey Santos makes full Brazil debut – four weeks after failing to land UK work permit
CHELSEA loanee Andrey Santos has made his senior Brazil debut before playing a game for the Blues.
The 18-year-old wonderkid joined the club in January in a deal that could be worth £18million but was sent out on loan after failing to secure a UK work permit.
Santos was shipped off to Brazilian side Vasco da Gama at the start of the month.
The teen is highly rated, and was trusted by Brazil interim boss Ramon Menezes to start the match against Morocco.
Midfielder Santos played 65 minutes in the shock 2-1 friendly defeat.
And despite the loss, Santos caught the eye.
He won more ground duels and made more successful tackles than any other Brazil player, including Manchester United star Casemiro, in the 65 minutes he was on the pitch, according to Mozo Football.
Menezes handing Santos a senior international debut also comes as a boost to Chelsea after his UK work permit was rejected.
He did not meet the necessary requirements, which are set by the FA and Home Office, in order obtain a work visa when joining Chelsea.
The Blues reportedly applied for an exceptional talent visa to allow Santos to play but were unsuccessful.
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Santos said ahead of Brazil’s game against Morocco: “I knew I had some chances of not playing [for Chelsea].
“I was confident, but unfortunately I didn’t make it. Life goes on. To be honest, I didn’t know [the requirements] I needed.
“As far as I know, I need to play in Serie A and I need to go to the Under-20s World Cup. I’m pretty calm. I’m doing my best at my club to achieve my goals.”