While Chelsea star Joao Pedro is fully focused on his career at Stamford Bridge, the Brazilian forward has admitted that his long-term future remains tethered to his roots.
Joao Pedro’s footballing journey began at Fluminense, where he first emerged as a teenage sensation.
Since his £60 million move from Brighton, Joao Pedro has arguably been the standout performer of the BlueCo era. Despite Chelsea’s struggles, he has enjoyed a prolific debut campaign, recording 23 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions.
It could quite easily have been a 35-goal season in Chelsea teams of the past, as Pedro, as well as other Blues players, have struggled, given the recent results and unsettling nature right now.
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Joao Pedro wants to return to Fluminense one day
In an interview with TNT Sports, Joao Pedro was honest and open about his love for Fluminense and how it’s his dream to go back and play there one day.
“Of course, I think about going back to Brazil, it’s our country. It’s where we breathe, where we live.
“I just arrived at the club, I’m living a good moment. Let’s stay here a little longer.
“But my heart beats for Fluminense in a different way.
“I have a very strong affection for Fluminense. It was the club that gave me everything I needed when I was a kid.
“Well, of course, at the time I was at Fluminense, the difficulty was great, but I always had the support of everyone there. I’m sure everyone still roots for me a lot. After the Club World Cup, when we eliminated Fluminense, it was difficult because there was Martinelli, whom I’ve known since I was a kid, and some people who worked there, so it was a mix of feelings. So, I certainly have a great affection for Fluminense, I have friends who support Fluminense, and we know how football works. It’s not something I can promise, but it’s something that certainly has a very large space in my heart.”
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Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Perhaps the wrong time to be speaking about other clubs
While Joao Pedro’s comments were clearly rooted in nostalgia rather than a desire to leave, his timing will no doubt raise eyebrows across the Chelsea fanbase.
With the club currently navigating a volatile managerial transition and fighting for a European lifeline, talk of future destinations, even emotional homecomings, can easily be misconstrued as a lack of focus.
At a moment when supporters are desperate for total commitment to the BlueCo project, especially after Enzo Fernandez’s comments, you can understand how this may feel tone deaf.
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