Exiled Chelsea signing Andrey Santos vows to earn his work permit by impressing on Brazil duty – after his visa to play in England was denied – revealing he must star in May’s U20s World Cup before joining the Blues
Andrey Santos has vowed to impress on international duty with Brazil in the hope of landing his work permit for Chelsea, who were forced to send the January signing back out on loan after his visa was rejected.
Since returning to Vasco da Gama on loan, Santos has carved out a fruitful run of form and earned a call up to Brazil’s senior squad ahead of Saturday’s friendly with Morocco, riveting the gaze of interim manager Ramon Menezes.
Chelsea reportedly applied for an exceptional talent visa in January to allow Santos to play in the Premier League, though by a narrow decision, it was not successful.
Parameters for work permits are set by the FA and the UK Home Office.
When asked about his work permit issues whilst on international duty, Santos replied: ‘I knew I had some chances of not playing [for Chelsea].
Brazil’s Andrey Santos could make his senior international debut against Morocco on Saturday
The teenage midfielder is still waiting on a work permit after signing for Chelsea in January
Chelsea chief Todd Boehly signed Santos for £18m in January before sending him out on loan
‘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.’
Santos, who could make his senior debut in Tangier on Saturday evening, captained Brazil’s U20s to South American Championships glory earlier this year.
The teenager popped up with the first goal of the final against Uruguay in the 84th minute, heading home from Kaiki Bruno’s cross to break the deadlock and leave the Selecao on the cusp of victory.
The 18-year-old captained Brazil’s U20 side to South American Championships glory this year
Santos popped up with a vital header late on during their final win over Uruguay in February
His late header sparked jubilant scenes on both the pitch and the sidelines, before Pedro put the icing on the cake by adding Brazil’s second deep into stoppage time.
Reflecting on his time so far with the senior squad, the 18-year-old central midfielder added: ‘It is an incredible experience. A dream come true, I’m very happy.
‘I feel at home, they welcomed me very well. Being at Casemiro’s side, at the side of an idol, is a dream for me. I’m living a dream, and it’s helping me a lot.
‘And I hope to be able to reciprocate his help on the field and the experience he gave me too.’
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