Chelsea will face Arsenal in the second leg of the League Cup semi-finals. Before the match, Joao Pedro gave an exclusive interview to Brazilian media Globo, and he talked about his expectations of participating in the World Cup.
How is your relationship with Ancelotti?
"The first time he called me up was in Rio for the match against Chile. In our conversation then, he showed me what he wanted me to do on the pitch, which is very similar to what I did at Brighton and what I'm doing now at Chelsea."
"I've had several conversations not only with him but also with his assistant coach Paul Clement, an Englishman who used to work at Chelsea. My communication with him is more open."
"I think, from my point of view, their requirements are very clear. I try to do my best in every game I represent Chelsea to meet their expectations of me—not just as an individual but also as a striker for the Brazilian national team."
What was it like to wear the Brazil national team jersey after playing many games for Fluminense, in the match against Chile at the Maracana Stadium?
"That day, when I arrived at the stadium, I felt like I was back to being 17, wearing the Fluminense jersey and stepping onto the pitch for the first time. The feeling was the same; I knew my family, friends, and the people I work with were there."
"I believe everyone has a movie-like memory in their mind, and I'm no exception. Hearing the national anthem and watching the crowd sing it was a very special moment."
"This game will definitely be remembered because it was my first start for Brazil, the place where I began. So I think this will be a night forever engraved in my memory, and I hope such moments can happen again."
You won the Club World Cup—Is participating in the World Cup a dream for you?
"Of course, one of my goals is to play in the World Cup. I left Brighton for this reason. I discussed it with my representatives and told them I was ready to take a bigger step; joining a larger club would get me more attention and thus increase my chances."
"Therefore, this year for me, of course, one of my goals is to help Chelsea win all the competitions we take part in, but I think my bigger goal is to play in the World Cup. If God willing, I hope to win the World Cup title."
"I won the Club World Cup at the same stadium that will host the World Cup final. I hope to lift the World Cup trophy there because that stadium has already left its mark in my memory and history, and I hope such a moment can happen again."
Do you dream of scoring your first goal for the national team?
"Of course, in my position as a striker, scoring goals is life. I've been working hard to show my best football every time I'm called up. I believe now at Chelsea, I'm in a special moment, and new call-ups will come soon."
"I will continue to do my job in a down-to-earth way, hoping to make the next squad. If God willing, I hope to score my first goal, which will be the moment I've been dreaming of."
"But I'm also calm. I know that collective victory is the most important thing, but I think this moment will be memorable for me, just like the first title I won at Chelsea."