How life with CR7 helped Corinthians’ new signing mature | OneFootball

The midfielder Matheus Pereira returned to Corinthians, the club that developed him, after a decade. The new addition sees himself as “more mature” to help Timão after a long stint in European football, which included a rich experience with Cristiano Ronaldo.

The player shared the locker room with the Portuguese star during a brief stint at Juventus in mid-2018. In his first press conference after returning to Corinthians, the 27-year-old athlete revealed how the forward, who currently plays for Al-Nassr, helped him evolve.

Matheus said that CR7 was the “first to arrive and last to leave.” This attitude encouraged the midfielder to work even harder every day.

“What I learned is the seriousness with which they approach work in Europe. Cristiano was one of the first to arrive and one of the last to leave. This only gives more desire to work. If he, who achieved everything he has, works this way, I can't do less,” he commented.

“You can expect a Matheus who is more mature, more experienced. It’s been ten years away, and I had the opportunity to mature. I am more focused,” he added.

Preferred Role on the Field

Matheus Pereira also mentioned that his experience in Europe helped him develop as a second central midfielder. This is, in fact, his preferred position on the field.

“I think I feel better as a second central midfielder. I managed to develop well in this role at Eibar. Last year, I performed well with Fortaleza too. It’s the role that suits me best,” he said.

The player began his career at Corinthians as an attacking midfielder, even wearing the number 10 jersey in the youth categories. Dorival Júnior intends to bring this back. In a press conference, the coach said he sees the athlete playing a bit further forward, on the left side.

Besides Juventus, Matheus Pereira also played for Empoli, Bordeaux, Dijon, Barcelona B, and Eibar during his time in Europe. He returned to Brazil in the middle of last year, being signed by Fortaleza. The athlete even gained prominence but could not prevent Leão do Pici from being relegated to the Brazilian Série B.

The player joins Corinthians on a one-season loan with an option to buy. Timão will pay R$ 1.8 million to Fortaleza and will fully cover the athlete's wages. He made his re-debut for the alvinegro club last Sunday, in a 1-1 draw with São Paulo.

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