Pedrinho reiterates affection for Corinthians but says no talks over return | OneFootball

Pedrinho, now at Shakhtar Donetsk, has reaffirmed his affection for Corinthians but says there has been no approach about a return, adding that recent links amount to speculation.

"I do not think there has been any interest. I have always had a lot of affection for Corinthians, so if there were interest I would like to return. I was very happy in Brazil. It was only speculation," he told Flashscore.

He shone at the 2017 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, helping Corinthians win the title and being named the tournament’s best player. A swift promotion followed, he became a regular and featured in one of the club’s most successful spells of the decade. He won three Campeonato Paulista titles between 2017 and 2019, plus the Campeonato Brasileiro in his debut year.

In 2020 he joined Benfica for 18 million euros. For Corinthians he made 141 appearances, with 12 goals, 13 assists and five trophies, and retains a strong bond with the supporters.

After a season in Portugal he moved to Shakhtar Donetsk. In 2022 he returned to Brazil on loan with Atlético-MG under a FIFA measure allowing temporary contract suspensions for players in Ukraine and Russia during the conflict, a mechanism that also enabled Corinthians to sign Maycon, Júnior Moraes and Yuri Alberto. He remained there until 2024, then rejoined Shakhtar.

His name has also been linked with possible Ukrainian naturalisation. "To be honest, I found out about it on the internet. I have not spoken to the coach or anyone on the staff. It does not only depend on me, and nothing has been discussed so far."

Now 27, Pedrinho has played 25 games for Shakhtar in 2025/26, scoring six goals and providing nine assists.

Source: Meu Timao