JOAO PEDRO is the latest star to join Brazil’s prolific production line to Stamford Bridge.
And Chelsea’s new £60million forward admits the impressive back catalogue of Samba stars who have played for the club was a huge factor in his desire to follow suit.
The Blues have had at least one Brazilian player in their squad every year since 2007.
Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Willian, Ramires, Oscar and Deco are names from the recent past who help to explain why Chelsea are so popular in Pedro’s homeland.
So much so that playing for the Blues was a boyhood ambition for the 23-year-old, who has arrived from Brighton on an eight-year deal.
Pedro – who will wear Cole Palmer’s old No20 and is already in the US with his new Chelsea team-mates for the Club World Cup – said: “Because of the history, people in Brazil watch the games.
“I was one of the young ones who watched Chelsea. They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now.
“It’s a big football club — that is why I chose to go to Chelsea.”
Pedro’s signing confirms the colourful connection between Chelsea and the greatest football nation on Earth remains fully open.
He joins countryman Andrey Santos, 21 — back from a season-long loan spell with Ligue 1 side Strasbourg — in the Chelsea squad.
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Meanwhile, 18-year-old Estevao Willian will link up with the Blues from quarter-final opponents Palmeiras after the Club World Cup.
Pedro added: “I just grew up watching the Premier League. And Chelsea, of course, because it’s a big club.
“I was talking with Andrey on Instagram, asking about the guys, about the club.
“And he said good things about the team, so it was good to join.
“When you join one club and know one of the players, it makes it easier for sure.
“I’m close with David Luiz. I spoke with him, not about Chelsea, but about my career. How I can develop it better, and he helped me.”
Defender Luiz is probably the standout Brazilian in Chelsea’s history books.
The fuzzy hair, marauding runs from deep and often haphazard temperament endeared him to Chelsea fans.
And his leadership qualities were so formidable that Chelsea signed him twice.
Pedro said he’s ‘close’ with former Chelsea defender David Luiz[/caption]
Former Brazil international Thiago Silva quickly asserted himself as a Chelsea legend[/caption]
It is too soon to know whether Pedro will follow in the big man’s footsteps or get his head down and get on with his game — like quiet man Ramires.
But he is unlikely to go unnoticed.
He scored 30 goals in 70 appearances for Brighton — but was also sent off in his farewell performance against Brentford in May.
The former Fluminese and Watford stiker boasts a reputation for having a big personality.
And the Seagulls have included a sell-on clause in the deal.
It suggests the South Coast club expect Pedro will become world class at Chelsea, prompting an even bigger club like Real Madrid to come knocking for him.
He will get a quick chance to make an impact. Pedro flew from Brazil to the United States — where Chelsea are contesting the Club World Cup — for his medical.
He has joined his new team-mates on the global stage and is even eligible to face Palmeiras in the quarter-finals in the early hours of Saturday.
Chelsea are suffering in the sweltering heat during training in Miami before heading to Philadelphia for the match.
Pedro is the second big-name arrival for Chelsea’s frontline after Liam Delap was brought in from Ipswich.
Competition for places will be intense with Nicolas Jackson back from suspension.
The Senegal striker has served a two-match ban after getting sent off for a horror foul during a 3-1 defeat to Flamengo in the group stages.
Pedro joined Chelsea for £60million over the weekend[/caption]
The Brazilian striker could get his first taste of silverware in 11 days time if Chelsea win the Club World Cup[/caption]
Explaining his game, Pedro said: “I’m very technical. I love to score. And when I was young I played in midfield as well, so I can give a pass to my team-mates.”
Chelsea’s latest Brazilian will get an instant opportunity to showcase his value against familiar opposition.
He added: “You have to be more ready because now if you lose the game, it’s done. You are kicked out to the tournament.
“And it’s also good to play against one team from our country. I know some of the players from Palmeiras. And it will be a great game.
“Both teams want to go through. Let’s see what happens.”
Chelsea’s early-season trip to West Ham is set to be moved to a Friday night.
The London derby is scheduled for the second weekend of the season.
And Sky Sports are understood to have suggested the match fill the 8pm evening slot on August 22.
The Met Police and Newham Council must approve the switch — but it is understood there are no significant objections.
Opening weekend TV picks were announced last month but Prem chiefs are due to reveal date changes for the rest of August and September by next Wednesday/
