Matheus Pereira on Santos derby, versatility and Corinthians rivalry

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Central do Timão

·21 janvier 2026

Matheus Pereira on Santos derby, versatility and Corinthians rivalry

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Midfielder Matheus Pereira was introduced as the new reinforcement for Corinthians on the afternoon of this Tuesday (20), at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava. The new Corinthians number 23 joins on loan until the end of the season from Fortaleza and made his re-debut for the club in the Majestoso last Sunday (18). Newly arrived, the player was asked about the Alvinegro classic next Thursday (22), against Santos, at Vila Belmiro, for the fourth round of the state championship.

The team from Baixada Santista occupies fourth place in the overall standings with six points, and the club from Parque São Jorge, in turn, is in seventh place with four points: “What the fans can expect is a lot of dedication, a lot of effort from the players. We know the importance of the game, of the classic. Our goal is the three points“, he began.

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Photo: Vinicios Cotrim/Central do Timão

He then spoke about his versatility on the field and was asked about midfielder Maycon, who left Corinthians at the end of last season and transferred to Atlético-MG. Like Matheus Pereira, the former Alvinegro number 7 was developed in the Corinthians youth categories, played over 200 games, and won five titles (three state championships, one Brazilian championship, and one Copa do Brasil).

“Well, I am a very versatile player, I am here at the club's disposal, at the coach's disposal to play wherever he wants, wherever he thinks I will be important for the team, I will be here at his disposal. And about Maycon, I respect him a lot, he is my friend, I respect the history he made at Corinthians too, but I came here to write my own story and I hope to achieve many things with this club,” he continued.

Later, he analyzed the competition he will face in the Corinthians squad. In the midfield, the Alvinegro has the following options: Raniele, José Martínez, Charles, André, Luiz Gustavo Bahia, Breno Bidon, André Carrillo, and Rodrigo Garro: “Well, I know the competition I have, especially in the midfield, which has great players here at the club. But as I always say, in my mind I come to play, I want to play, I am at the coach's disposal and whatever he thinks is best for the club, I am at his disposal.”

Soon after, he expressed his affection for Corinthians when asked about the reasons that made him return to Parque São Jorge. Matheus Pereira also spoke about the experience of the Alvinegro squad, which includes names like Hugo Souza, André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique, and Memphis Depay as the more experienced players.

“Well, what attracted me the most is Corinthians. There's no way to say no to this club. I'm a Corinthians fan, I've always wanted to come back here. So, as I said, when the opportunity to return came up, I didn't think twice. And about the competition, I know the competition is very high, there are great players, in a club of this size there will always be great players, so I know I have to do my part, perform during the week.”

“I'm not one of the oldest, but I do feel (experienced). I think this experience, especially abroad, made me mature a lot. So, I'm here to help, especially the younger ones, for whatever they need, they can count on me. But we already have great leaders in the squad, André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique, Hugo Souza. So, we are well served with leaders“, he concluded.

Developed in the youth categories of Corinthians, Matheus Pereira left the club in 2016 and went through: Empoli, Italy, Juventus B, Dijon (France), Barcelona II, Eibar, and Fortaleza – in the latter, he scored two goals and provided three assists in 20 matches.

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