Chelsea have spent big again this summer and Joao Pedro is set to be their next debutant after joining from Brighton in a £50million transfer and being thrust straight into their Club World Cup squad
Joao Pedro has joined up with the Chelsea squad after his switch from Brighton
Joao Pedro has joined up with the Chelsea squad after his switch from Brighton
(Image: Getty Images)
Joao Pedro revealed how he stepped off the beach in Rio to become a world champion.
Incredibly, Brazil striker Pedro, 23, was sunning himself on holiday last week and is now set to play in the Club World Cup semi-final in New York. Pedro actually even revealed that he hired a personal trainer because he was aware of Chelsea ’s interest and wanted to be in top physical condition so he could fly to the United States.
Chelsea striker Pedro, who moved to Stamford Bridge in a £60m switch from Brighton, made his debut in the quarter-final win over Palmeiras just 48 hours after signing. And he is now ready to go after flying from holidays in Brazil to join up with Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea squad in the United States.
“I was in Brazil on holiday with my friends, on the beach and Brazilian food is nice and spending time with my friends,” said Pedro. “I was in Rio but I had a personal trainer and I trained as well so I was ready.
"Imagine if I didn’t train and Chelsea called me to come then it would be more difficult for me. I was on holiday with friends and family but I made sure I was ready. I knew Chelsea had an interest in me so that’s why I was training harder and when they called me to come here I was ready, not 100 per cent but ready enough to come here and train.
“I made my debut and I think I showed I am ready and now I hope to play [against Fluminense]. It was a great experience so let’s see. I always give 100 per cent and I think I took my opportunity and why I came here to play. If I’m going to start or not, it’s not my decision but I will try to improve, be ready for Enzo and if he needs me.”
Pedro actually started his career with Fluminense, then went to Watford before his £30m move to Brighton and now he is Chelsea’s latest signing. It has been a sharp learning curve but Pedro insists that he is ready for the step up and challenge of playing in the Champions League next season.
Chelsea now face Pedro’s first club and Blues legend Thiago Silva who is 40 and still going strong for Fluminense. He said: “When I left Watford I was in the Championship, then I went to Brighton, if you watch the group stage of the Europa League I was top scorer and I’m ready for a new challenge. That’s why I joined Chelsea.
“Of course Fluminense will be special because I spent a lot of time and years there, I grew up there and it will be an unbelievable experience but now I play for Chelsea so I need to focus on my team and who plays better will win the game. Thiago Silva is a legend in my country, I have a lot of respect for him but now he plays for the other side!”
Pedro knows he will have to battle it out with the likes of Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap for a regular starting place at Stamford Bridge. Delap is suspended for the Fluminense semi-final after getting two yellow cards in the tournament but the competition does not worry Pedro. And he says he offers something different.
He added: “Every team has a different style to play, Delap has a style, Jackson another and I have my way. But I think it’s good for Chelsea. I would say I am a striker. I like to play as a number nine. But also I like to feel free on the pitch. And that's what Enzo said to me: 'Play like a number nine but come deeper to link up with the other players.’
“I am a very technical player. I like to score as well. I play like a nine, but I also have the mind of a ten as well. This combination will be good for my teammates and for Chelsea."
“I think who brings more good things to the team is going to play. Everyone will have to work hard and then Enzo will decide. He is a very good coach , very intelligent and he tries to make it easy for us. I feel very comfortable. The guys are very welcoming and helpful to me. I’m very grateful to be here, to be at Chelsea so, yeah, very happy.”
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