'Sorry': Joao Pedro reacts after scoring first Chelsea goals in Club World Cup win over Fluminense

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Evening Standard

·8 July 2025

'Sorry': Joao Pedro reacts after scoring first Chelsea goals in Club World Cup win over Fluminense

Chelsea’s new signing previously played for Fluminense and refused to celebrate against his former club

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Joao Pedro says scoring his first goals for Chelsea was a “dream” after sending his new club into the Club World Cup final.

The Brazilian only joined Chelsea last week, sealing a £60m transfer from Brighton and made his debut a few days later as a substitute in the quarter-final win over Palmeiras.

With Liam Delap suspended for the semi-final showdown after picking up two yellow cards in the tournament, Joao Pedro got the nod over Nicolas Jackson to lead the line from the start.

That decision from Enzo Maresca ultimately paid off as Joao Pedro marked his full Chelsea debut with a brace to ensure the Blues will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid in the final on Sunday.

However, despite opening his account for Chelsea, it was a bittersweet moment for the Brazilian as he began his career at Fluminense, making 36 senior appearances before leaving for Watford in 2020.

It explains why the 23-year-old refused to celebrate either one of his goals and Joao Pedro admits he had to be professional.

Speaking to DAZN after the game, he said: "I am happy to score my first goal for Chelsea but also I know this tournament is very important for Fluminense.

“I can just say sorry but I have to be professional. I play for Chelsea. They pay me to score goals and today I was happy to score.

"I think it was a dream. I don't think it could have been better. Two goals. Now we need to think about the final. I am very happy to score two goals today."