Andrey Santos' father has revealed that his son idolises Casemiro ahead of the international break. The 18-year-old joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in the summer for £18million.
Following complications with arranging a work permit, Santos returned to the Brazilian outfit on loan for the remainder of the season. Foreign players require a certain number of governing body endorsement points to secure a permit which allows them to play in the Premier League.
Despite leading his country to glory in the Under-20 South American Championship over the winter, the wonderkid still struggled to garner enough qualifying points. Santos was a standout performer at the tournament, netting six goals in six games from defensive midfield.
READ MORE: Everything Eden Hazard and Carlo Ancelotti have said about Chelsea return amid transfer links
While Santos was not rewarded with a work permit to play in the Premier League, he was handed a debut call-up to the senior Brazil squad for the upcoming international break. The south American outfit are set to lock horns with Morocco in a friendly later this month.
Speaking to Brazilian outlet UOL, as quoted by the Evening Standard, Andre Santos revealed that his son hopes to play alongside Casemiro. The Chelsea youngster's father said: "He targets Casemiro a lot. It’s part of his position. Possibly they can play together for a few minutes there."
Then, when quizzed on his son's decision to return to Vasco da Gama on loan, he explained: "When Vasco came, he was already very confident, it was what he wanted. We didn’t question it at any time. The decision passed through him and, afterwards, it was also a family decision."
Santos' return to Chelsea in the summer is highly-anticipated with Graham Potter in need of midfield reinforcements. Upon his unveiling in west London, the teenage sensation revealed his delight at joining.
He told the club's official website: "It's a very big opportunity for me. This is a big club playing in big competitions like the Premier League so I am very excited. The players here are so good and I am very happy to be here."
READ NEXT:
Chelsea face intense battle to escape from Premier League purgatory under Graham Potter
Brighton chief sends message to Todd Boehly over Graham Potter sack decision at Chelsea
Graham Potter unable to maximise international break despite having 13 Chelsea players at Cobham
Graham Potter has alternative Chelsea XI that could hold key to overcoming Real Madrid
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
