Joao Pedro celebrates
Joao Pedro celebrates scoring for Chelsea against Brighton(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
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Joao Pedro believes he is "surrounded by the right people" at Chelsea, and that is why he chose to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.
Towards the end of last month, the Blues confirmed that the Brazil international had extended his deal with the club until 2034. His initial contract ran all the way until 2033 but Chelsea handed him a further 12 months, mostly so he could be rewarded with new-and-improved terms after a fantastic debut season with the west Londoners.
It followed interest from Barcelona in the summer. The Catalan club registered an interest in Joao Pedro but Chelsea quickly told them the forward, who was voted as the club's Player of the Season after he scored 15 Premier League goals in his first campaign as a Blues player, was viewed as untouchable and not for sale at any price.
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Chelsea then put their money where their mouth was and handed their new No.9 a pay rise by giving him a longer deal. Joao Pedro has now reflected on his decision to commit his future to the Blues and said that he believes he is in the right environment to keep developing and achieve success in the years to come.
Posting on his LinkedIn page, the 24-year-old wrote: "Joining Chelsea Football Club was a huge moment for me, and looking back at everything that has happened since, I'm proud of how far we've come.
"I knew I was joining one of the biggest clubs in the world, with huge ambition and a special history. What I didn't know was how quickly the club, the people here and life in London would become such an important part of my life.
Joao Pedro celebrates
Joao Pedro celebrates scoring for Chelsea against Real Sociedad(Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC)
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"Since then, I've experienced some incredible moments in a Chelsea shirt. Winning the FIFA Club World Cup, having a season I'm proud of, being voted Player of the Season by our supporters and having the pride of becoming Chelsea's number 9 are memories I'll always carry with me.
"But this isn't just about what we've already achieved.
"For me, making a decision like this comes down to more than what is happening in the moment. It's about looking at where you are, what you still want to achieve and whether the environment around you is helping you get there.
"I think there is a lot to consider when deciding whether to stay or take on something new. Progress doesn't always mean choosing something different. Sometimes it's recognising when you're surrounded by the right people, still learning, still being challenged and still excited by what you're building together.
"I believe in where this club is going, I believe in the people around me and I want to be part of what comes next. That's why I'm so proud to have committed my future to Chelsea and to continue this journey with the club."
Joao Pedro has started this season in spectacular fashion. In four Premier League appearances, the Chelsea attacker has six direct goal involvements - scoring three times and assisting the same amount.
The Brazilian, though, missed Friday night's defeat to Brentford with a knee injury. The problem forced him to drop out of the Brazil squad for the ongoing international break.