Joao Pedro has revealed how he is helping teenage star Estevao settle in at Chelsea, who he has backed to emulate Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.
In an interview with Standard Sport, the Chelsea striker spoke on a wide range of topics, including taking Brazil team-mate Estevao under his wing since both arriving at Stamford Bridge over the summer.
Joao Pedro also discussed his strong relationship with talisman Cole Palmer, and insisted Chelsea will be in the title race this season as they look to win the Premier League for the first time in nine years.
“We always stay together at breakfast, lunch, training,” he said, when discussing his relationship with Chelsea’s fellow Brazilians Estevao and Andrey Santos.
“I’ve known Andrey for more than eight years because we have the same sponsor. Andrey is funny, we joke a lot.
“Estevao is shy. It’s difficult for him to adapt. I try to push him to ask for his breakfast in English.
“Sometimes training is too long for him and he feels tired before gym. I don’t always need to do the gym, but I go with him because this is very important for him. He knows how physical the Premier League is. Me and Andrey push him.”
He added: “He’s from the street. You can see he is natural. Tosin [Adarabioyo] said to me: ‘Joao, wow. Estevao is amazing’. Playing for Brazil and Chelsea at 18, oh my God. He’s going to be like Vinicius Jr.”
Asked about Chelsea’s title chances, he replied: “It’s too early to say whether we’re going to win it or not. But if you watch us, you’ll say we have a good chance. I agree.
“If we won the Premier League and Champions League, it will be a top season! And if you win titles, you can be a legend.”
Speaking about Cole Palmer, Chelsea's most prolific goal-scorer over the last two seasons, Joao Pedro admitted: “Cole is a superstar. When I came to Chelsea I was a little bit scared about how he was going to react, because I was the main guy at Brighton. I knew Chelsea would be different. I said: ‘Cole, I’m here to help you’.
“He knows I can help him, and I know he can help me. We have a good chemistry on the pitch; I think he feels the same. Together, we can win more titles for Chelsea.”
He added: “Cole doesn’t like to talk much, but we talk about how good the season can be if we link up.
“When I joined in the USA [for the Club World Cup], he asked me how many goals I am going to score this season. I call him sometimes. After he didn’t play at West Ham [due to injury], the next day I texted him. We have a very good relationship.”
