Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has opened up about life at Stamford Bridge, revealing how he is helping Brazilian wonderkid Estevao settle into English football and backing the teenager to follow in the footsteps of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.
Speaking to Standard Sport, the striker discussed his new journey at Chelsea, his close bond with fellow Brazilians Estevao and Andrey Santos, and his on-pitch partnership with Cole Palmer, who has quickly become the club’s talisman.
Pedro explained how he is guiding 18-year-old Estevao through the challenges of adapting to life in the Premier League.
“We always stay together at breakfast, lunch, and training,” Pedro said. “Estevao is shy, so I push him to speak English. Sometimes training feels long for him, but I go with him to the gym even when I don’t need to because he must be ready for the Premier League’s physicality. Me and Andrey push him.”
The striker believes Chelsea fans are witnessing the rise of a special talent:
“He’s from the street — you can see he is natural. Tosin [Adarabioyo] said to me: ‘Wow, Estevao is amazing’. Playing for Brazil and Chelsea at 18, oh my God. He’s going to be like Vinicius Jr.”
On Chelsea’s title ambitions, Pedro admitted it’s early to predict but insisted the Blues have a genuine chance of competing.
“If you watch us, you’ll say we have a good chance. If we win the Premier League and Champions League, it will be a top season. When you win titles, you can be a legend.”
Pedro also highlighted the importance of his growing partnership with Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s leading goalscorer.
“Cole is a superstar. When I came from Brighton, I told him: ‘I’m here to help you.’ We have good chemistry on the pitch, and together we can win more titles for Chelsea. He doesn’t talk much, but we know how good the season can be if we link up.”
With Pedro settling quickly into the Chelsea squad and playing a mentorship role for Estevao, the Blues’ blend of youth and talent could yet propel them into the Premier League title race.
