New Chelsea signing Joao Pedro says he was training hard during his summer holiday in Brazil in anticipation that he would be called up to the Blues’ Club World Cup squad.
Pedro made an instant impact in his debut for the Blues against Palmeiras, coming off the bench to help his side progress to the semi-finals of the Club World Cup.
But the Brazilian says he was preparing to be part of his new side’s campaign even before he had signed.
He said: “I was on holidays, but I was always training. I was in Brazil, with my friends 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 percent, 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 tomorrow. It was a great experience so let’s see tomorrow.”
Pedro joined the club from Brighton and says he is looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Champions League.
“When I left Watford I was in the Championship, then I went to Brighton. If you watched the group stage of the Europa League, I was top scorer, and I’m ready for a new challenge,” he said.
“Chelsea are a big club and my dream was always to play for a big club and to win trophies.
“We have a great team, a young team, and that’s why I came here.”
The 23-year-old has played mostly as a striker during his career and will compete with Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson for a starting role up top.
But the Brazilian says he is relishing the competition and thinks having different playing styles in attack will benefit the team.
“Every player has a different style to play,” he said. “Delap has a style, Jackson another and I have my way. But I think it’s good for Chelsea. I think whoever brings more good things to the team is going to play. Everyone will have to work hard and then Enzo will decide.”
Pedro will be hoping to start his first game for the club when Chelsea face Fluminense in the semi-final of the Club World Cup.