Brazilian striker João Pedro may now be shining for Brighton & Hove Albion, but he won’t forget that it was Watford who opened the doors to English football for him.
The Hornets spent €11.5m to sign the player from Fluminense in January 2020, and had him in the squad during their ups and downs in the Premier League and Championship.
João Pedro was this week interviewed by Globo Esporte, and ended up making many mentions of his time at Watford.
It started with the striker claiming he hasn’t had many chances to play for the national team because of the Hornets’ recent situation, even though he hopes to get new opportunities now.
“I was off the radar of the national team and the media for a long time because Watford were in the second division,” João Pedro told Globo Esporte.
“And coming back to the Premier League, Brighton starting well, me knowing Diniz, knowing how he likes to work, how he likes his players to play, makes it a bit easier. But I have to do my bit in England, because Brazil has some excellent players. But, yes, I’ve been thinking about it, it’s one of my objectives in the senior team. To continue with the work so that, God willing, I’ll be rewarded later on.”
“I don’t see it as a waste of time, but as an apprenticeship at Watford. There are very few players of my age here who have played this many minutes. I’ve now played over 100 games in England. I think that’s important. And I’ve been able to come back to the Premier League more experienced, knowing how the game works here. I’m having a good start to the season. Now we need to keep going and focus on our goals.”
The Brazilian also feel grateful towards Watford for support from the club at the time he lost his stepfather. He claims the Hornets were great at taking care of him and his mother at that time.
“It was a complicated period. A very big loss. My mum hadn’t had a partner for a long time, Carlão had been with us since I was 15. I’d come home from training and see my mum and grandma sad. And I had to stand my ground. I’ve always been mature since I was little and I’m still maturing and learning. Carlão always said he wanted to watch me play against Manchester. He ended up passing away and didn’t see it. And I scored my first Premier League goal against Manchester.”
“I’m not one for crying or showing emotion, but that day I couldn’t control it. A lot came over me. I collapsed on the pitch and my team-mates came to hug me. The players gave me a lot of support during that period, Watford and the hospital too. It showed the affection that not only the club had for me, but also the people who lived around me.”
