William Gomes’ ‘pal-rival’ Pedro Lima picks No. 3: “Worlds, Libertadores” | OneFootball

Right-back Pedro Lima was introduced early this Thursday afternoon (17) at CT da Barra Funda as São Paulo’s new signing.

A man of few words, the 20-year-old explained what motivated his return from England to Brazil, said he likes the system with three center-backs, and spoke about his long-standing relationship with William Gomes, the former São Paulo player who now shines at Porto.

“What motivates me to be here is that São Paulo is a very big and historic club, and when the opportunity came up, I believe the moment called for this return to Brazilian football. And speaking of the Brazilian national team, of course it’s a dream, a childhood dream,” said the new signing.

“And I believe the path to the national team is the daily work here with my teammates, that consistency in everyday training. And I believe it comes as a consequence — the call-up comes as a consequence of the good matches I have to play for São Paulo.”

Friend or rival?

Also from Brazil’s Northeast like William Gomes, the forward developed in Cotia’s youth ranks and now playing in Portugal, Pedro Lima revealed an old friendship and rivalry with his colleague.

“William is a great friend of mine; we’ve been rivals since we were 11 years old, in futsal and seven-a-side football. And back when we came here in 2018 for trials, we came together — we’re both from the Northeast, from that region.”

“So when I got here as a kid, full of dreams, I really wanted to wear the São Paulo shirt and, for those who don’t know, I was a defensive midfielder at the time. So the no I got there made me very sad. But if it weren’t for that no, maybe I wouldn’t be here, because after that no, that’s when I became a right-back.”

“I saw there was a need at right-back and my agent and I started working on that position. And eight years later, here we are, able to make this dream come true,” explained the São Paulo defender.

Great choice!

São Paulo’s new number 32, the youngster has already won points with the Tricolor fans by explaining why he chose the shirt number.

“The number 32 shirt, first of all, because the 3 stands for us being three-time world champions and having three Libertadores titles, and the 2 is the number for the right-back position,” Pedro Lima confirmed.

The full-back is already registered by the club in the CBF’s BID and cleared to play in the Brasileirão. Pedro had his first training session this Wednesday (16) with the São Paulo squad at CT da Barra Funda and could already be included in the squad against Internacional this Saturday (19) at Morumbi.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.