Joao Pedro: Cole Palmer would start for Brazil | Why Neymar is an idol to me and my Mum
5/27/202638 min
João Pedro opens up on the pressure and sacrifices behind his journey from Brazil to the Premier League - revealing how his mum quitting her job to support his football dream made him realise at just 15 years old that he had no choice but to succeed.
Whilst relaxing in Rio's Airbnb, Joao reveals how he was inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James, João explains why he became obsessed with doing extra work after moving to England and how switching from winger to striker completely changed his career - despite initially hating the move.
He also tells Rio how Watford convinced him to move ahead of waiting for clubs like Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester City and how Richarlison showed him that Premier League success was possible.
João gives hilarious insight into training ground battles with Marc Cucurella, Moisés Caicedo and Reece James - while also backing James to become the best right-back in world football because of his mentality and leadership.
There’s fascinating tactical discussion too as João explains why movement is the strongest part of his game, how Cole Palmer’s creativity has helped him become more dangerous in the box and why he now sees himself as a number nine in the mould of Harry Kane and Sergio Agüero. He also admits he completely underestimated Palmer when he first arrived - before eventually deciding the Chelsea star would comfortably start for the current Brazil team under Carlo Ancelotti.
The conversation also gives brilliant insight into the pressure surrounding the Brazilian national team, Ancelotti’s influence on the squad and why Neymar is still discussed “every single day” in Brazil ahead of what could be his final World Cup.
Plus there are brilliant stories around Vinicius Jr’s mentality, Casemiro’s leadership and what it felt like walking into his first Brazil training camp alongside players he’d previously only seen on FIFA
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsJoao Pedro· Guest0:00
I said to him before, I didn't, didn't think you were that good. [laughs] And he look at me. I say, "Yeah." But now, because I play with him, yeah, he's, he's different.
Rio Ferdinand· Host0:15
In Brazil, yeah?
Joao Pedro· Guest0:16
Yeah.
Rio Ferdinand· Host0:17
Could he, could he come to the Brazil squad and be good in the Brazil squad, do you think?
Joao Pedro· Guest0:20
I said to him, "Why you don't come to Brazil?" [laughs] Be the, be the number 10 there, mate. No problem. Because in Brazil we don't have this guy.
Rio Ferdinand· Host0:27
Yeah. Welcome to Rio Meets. We're just getting set up in there for a Brazilian striker to come and chill with me in this Airbnb. After performing in the iconic Maracana, Joao Pedro's here to talk about all the things I love: skill, flair, the samba. These are the players I love talking to. Great backstories. Come on, let's go. [upbeat music] Joao, how you doing, man?
Joao Pedro· Guest0:52
I'm good.
Rio Ferdinand· Host0:53
Good to see you.
Joao Pedro· Guest0:53
Good to see you.
Rio Ferdinand· Host0:54
You love the English weather?
Joao Pedro· Guest0:55
Yeah.
Rio Ferdinand· Host0:56
Yeah? [laughs] How are you doing?
Joao Pedro· Guest0:59
Yeah, all good.
Rio Ferdinand· Host1:00
Good. Good to see you, man.
Joao Pedro· Guest1:01
Good to see you.
Rio Ferdinand· Host1:02
So, how are you keeping, uh, busy now? When you're finished training, what are you doing?
Joao Pedro· Guest1:05
Sometimes I have a, like a media stuff. Uh, and also I do physio at home.
Rio Ferdinand· Host1:12
At home?
Joao Pedro· Guest1:13
Yeah.
Rio Ferdinand· Host1:13
Oh, everyone's doing this. So you've got all your physio come to your house?
Joao Pedro· Guest1:16
Yeah, bus- busy, yeah.
Rio Ferdinand· Host1:17
Yeah. No, that's good.
Joao Pedro· Guest1:18
Yeah, I have physio at home, so I try to do every day to see what I need to, to recovery.
Rio Ferdinand· Host1:23
Mm. Oh, good.
Joao Pedro· Guest1:24
To be able to, to play in the weekend.
Rio Ferdinand· Host1:27
Is this, like, massively important? 'Cause in basketball- Yeah ... LeBron James