Joao Pedro, the talented forward currently representing Hull City, recently opened up about his journey in football during an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio. The Brazilian, who spent eight years at Cagliari, reflected on his experiences in Italy, touching on both the highs and lows of his career.
At 33 years old, Joao Pedro has seen a lot in the world of football. He first arrived in Italy as a young boy, and he describes his time in Cagliari as transformative. “I lived a third of my life there: I arrived as a boy and left as a man and a father. It was eight wonderful years,” he said. This sentiment showcases his deep connection to the club, where he played 271 matches and scored 86 goals across Serie A, B, and Coppa Italia.
Reflecting on his international career, Joao Pedro revealed his feelings of unworthiness before the World Cup playoff against North Macedonia in March 2022. “Before the playoff, I kept asking myself: ‘Do I deserve to be here?’” he admitted. Despite having obtained Italian citizenship in 2017, he was still taken aback when he received the call-up to represent the Azzurri. “I was having coffee with the equipment managers when our sporting director, Capozucca, told me: ‘Italy asked for you because they found out you have a passport.’ I didn’t understand: ‘But for what?’”
Joao Pedro entered the decisive match against North Macedonia in the 89th minute, with the score still tied at 0-0. Unfortunately, a last-minute goal by Trajkovski dashed Italy’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup, leaving Joao Pedro with a profound sense of emptiness. “When that ball went in, everything went dark. In the locker room, there was no anger, just a great sense of void. I thought scoring would have changed our story and my career 100%,” he reflected.
His time at Cagliari was not without its struggles. Joao Pedro recalled the painful 0-0 draw against Venezia in 2022, which ultimately led to Cagliari's relegation. “That was another match I would have liked to replay. We needed just one goal to survive, and it felt like the weight of the world was on our shoulders,” he said. The team’s inability to score that crucial goal haunted him, and he felt a deep responsibility for the relegation. “If something was missing, it was mostly my fault. I wasn’t able to lead and guide my teammates,” he admitted.
In 2018, Joao Pedro faced a significant setback when he was suspended for six months due to a contaminated supplement. “I was terrified. I had never done anything wrong intentionally, but I was afraid of having to stop playing,” he shared. The support from Cagliari fans during this tough time was invaluable. “The entire city was behind me, from elderly ladies to children. No one ever doubted me, and that was natural fuel for me,” he said.
After serving his suspension, Joao Pedro made an emotional return to the pitch on September 16, 2018, against AC Milan, scoring just three minutes into the match. “It was the most beautiful moment of my career. I hadn’t played for six months, and that goal felt like a signal that I could reclaim my career,” he expressed.
Joao Pedro also took a moment to praise his former teammates, particularly Nicolò Barella, who he described as “relentless.” He noted that Barella’s tenacity on the field was a key factor in his rise to prominence. “He was always trying, and that’s something you find in very few players,” he remarked. He also shared fond memories of playing alongside Leonardo Pavoletti, whose heading ability he admired greatly.
Throughout his career, Joao Pedro has faced many challenges, including fierce competition from top defenders like Chiellini and Bonucci. “I hated playing against them. Bonucci would get into your head, anticipating your every move. It’s the most frustrating thing for a striker,” he explained.
Despite the challenges he faced, Joao Pedro expressed pride in his journey from a poor background in Brazil to professional football in Italy. “When I was a child, I had nothing. I would go around asking for food. Only the talent given to me by my father, who would come home from work and play with me, kept me going. I left home at 13 to chase a dream, and I made it,” he said, reflecting on his humble beginnings.
Now playing for Hull City in the Championship, Joao Pedro feels he is experiencing the best physical condition of his career. “I didn’t think it was possible, especially at 33. After two difficult seasons, I’m happy to have found peace here. There’s less pressure, and that has helped me regain my love for the game,” he stated.
Looking to the future, Joao Pedro is contemplating life after football. “I don’t want to deal with football anymore; I’ve given everything I had. Teaching young players is something I’m considering,” he shared, indicating a desire to pass on his knowledge and experience to the next generation.
In conclusion, Joao Pedro’s journey is a testament to resilience and passion. From his formative years in Brazil to his impactful career in Italy, he has made a significant mark on the football world. His story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes, proving that with determination and hard work, dreams can come true.
