Chelsea FC is actually in the final of the Club World Cup. This is thanks to Joao Pedro, who scored twice but could only speak of a “dream start” to a limited extent.
Joao Pedro has already recouped part of his impressive transfer fee – he joined from Brighton & Hove Albion for a whopping €64 million – on Tuesday. With a more than respectable brace, the Brazilian shot his new club Chelsea into the Club World Cup final.
That meant an additional $30 million for reaching the final, according to FIFA’s performance-based payments. If Joao Pedro crowns the Blues as the new club world champions on Sunday, another $10 million will flow into the Premier League club’s coffers.
After the final whistle, Joao Pedro, who came off the bench for Chelsea in their quarter-final against Palmeiras, unsurprisingly spoke of a “dream” that had come true at his new club. But was it really? The 23-year-old, born in Sao Paulo, actually came through the youth ranks at Fluminense. “When I was young, I had nothing,” he explained in the mixed zone with the Player of the Match award in his hands: “They gave me everything. They showed me to the world. I’m only here because they believed in me.”
Joao Pedro touched the hearts of the Flu fans. After his goals, his facial expressions and gestures towards the Brazilian supporters said it all. “I know how important this tournament is for them. I can only apologize. But I also have to be a professional, I play for Chelsea and they pay me to score goals.”
Last week on the beach
It’s working surprisingly well. Although, according to Joao Pedro himself, he was “on the beach with friends in Brazil enjoying the food” last week. Because Chelsea was courting him, he deliberately kept fit with a private trainer. To be ready for the big moment. “I knew Chelsea were interested.”
Those responsible are unlikely to have regretted signing Joao Pedro to an eight-year contract until 2033 (!). Head coach Enzo Maresca, at least, was satisfied: “He showed today how good he is – but this is only the beginning.”
Joao Pedro will have an even bigger stage on Sunday when he faces either Paris, the reigning Champions League winner, or Real, the record Champions League winner, in the final. Then there will be no need for any more apologetic gestures.