Corinthians defender on Minas point, breaks silence on failed Italy move

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Central do Timão

·26 Februari 2026

Corinthians defender on Minas point, breaks silence on failed Italy move

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians traveled to Belo Horizonte, at the Mineirão Stadium, on the night of Wednesday (25th), to face Cruzeiro in a match valid for the fourth round of the 2026 Brazilian Championship, and drew 1-1. The result temporarily moved the Parque São Jorge club up to third place in the national tournament with seven points – two wins, one draw, and one loss – five goals scored and three conceded.

The scorer of Corinthians’ equalizing goal at 35 minutes of the second half, after a corner kick taken by midfielder Rodrigo Garro, defender João Pedro Tchoca gave an interview to Premiere and celebrated his goal. It’s worth remembering that this was the defender’s first time speaking after the failed negotiation with Torino, from Italy, where he ended up failing the medical exams. The transfer was initially to be a loan, with a possible purchase linked to the fulfillment of certain goals.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

“For sure, this goal came at a very special moment. First, I want to thank God for granting me this, for never abandoning me, and also thank the whole group, the coaching staff for embracing me. When I came back and arrived at the training center, nothing had changed, I was very well received and I just have to be grateful. Yes, it was to cleanse the soul,” he began.

Later, he revealed his surprise at the failed move to Europe, since he had been playing normally for Corinthians until then: “I guarantee it was a surprise for me. I didn’t expect it, because I left here fit to play and, in fact, two days later I was on the field against Capivariano (for the Paulistão). So, I believe the problem is on their end, not mine, because I’m physically 100% and I hope to contribute to the team throughout the season,” he continued.

Finally, he analyzed the squad’s evolution and highlighted the fact that the team is becoming ‘tougher’ in more difficult matches: “Yes, our team has been evolving a lot. It’s a very tough team and I hope we can keep improving and achieve more throughout the season,” he concluded.

After earning a point in Minas Gerais against Cruzeiro in the fourth round of the Brazilian Championship, Corinthians now shifts its focus to the Paulistão. Next Saturday (28th), at 8:30 PM (Brasília time), the Alvinegro faces Novorizontino at the Jorge Ismael de Biasi Stadium in the state semifinal. A draw takes the decision to penalty kicks.

João Pedro Tchoca’s Journey at Corinthians

The defender arrived at Parque São Jorge in 2019 after standing out at Desportivo Brasil. In 2024, he formed a defensive partnership with Renato during the campaign that won the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior title, beating Cruzeiro 1-0 in Itaquera. Soon after, he was promoted to the professional Corinthians squad – having aged out of the youth category.

Initially, he didn’t get much playing time with the Alvinegro coaches at the time, first Antônio Oliveira and then Ramón Díaz, and was loaned to Ceará in the second half of that year. With the northeastern team, he was a starter in the final stretch of the campaign that earned promotion to Série A last year. At the beginning of 2025, he was reintegrated into the Corinthians squad and began to get opportunities, becoming an important piece for the team.

Wearing number 47, he was part of the campaigns that won the Campeonato Paulista and Copa do Brasil titles, against Vasco da Gama and Palmeiras, respectively. In total, he has played 36 matches for Corinthians (29 as a starter), with 19 wins, 11 draws, and six losses – a 62.96% success rate – with two goals scored and one assist provided.

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