Joao Pedro believes his 'dream' full Chelsea debut could not have gone any better after the Brazilian produced a match-winning brace against Fluminense to secure our place in the final of the Club World Cup.
The Brazilian opened his account in blue with a delightful 20-yard strike across goal that found the top corner. Joao Pedro then doubled his – and the Blues' – tally shortly after the break with a thunderous drive after a surge into the Fluminense box.
Our new signing, the 23-year-old only completed his transfer from Brighton and Hove Albion last week, recognised the importance of his contribution and was pleased to help his new side secure a place in a final.
‘I think it was a dream first start – I don’t think it could’ve been better,’ Joao Pedro said. ‘I’m very happy. I want to help the team. I knew I could score today, and that’s what I did. The team controlled the game today, did really well today and now we’re focused on the final.
‘I think we have a great team, great players and it’s a pleasure to play with them. I think this season can be a great season for us.’
Reflecting on his first Chelsea goals, the Brazil international added: ‘\[With the first goal,\] I saw the ball coming to me, and then I just tried to make the control quickly because then I knew their players could come at me fast, and I was happy to get my shot on target.
‘For the second, Enzo found me, and I had more time to think about what I could do. I was happy to score.’
The game also had extra significance for Joao Pedro as he played against his boyhood team, Fluminense. Describing his mixed emotions, he said: ‘I think I’m happy to score my first goal but also, I know that this tournament is very important for them.
'I can just say sorry, but I have to be professional. I play for Chelsea and they pay me to score goals. Today, I was happy to score.’
Although he’s only been here for a week, the forward believes he has settled in well and is enjoying being a Blue.
‘I feel very comfortable here,’ Joao Pedro added. ‘I think everyone has helped me a lot to feel at home, that’s my feeling. It feels like home already.
‘I came a week ago and now I’m going to play in a final. I’m very happy for the team, and it’s a great outcome for me. It will be a very important and special game.’