Pedro was a leading target for Newcastle United this summer but was aware of Chelsea’s interest and made clear his preference to move to the capital.
The 23-year-old got his wish last week when his £60m switch was finalised, with the forward jetting straight to America and making his debut in the quarter-final win over Palmeiras just 48 hours later.
And Pedro has now lifted the lid on his whirlwind week and why he chose Chelsea.
He said: “I was on holiday. I was in Brazil – yes, beach, Brazilian food, spending time with friends.
“But I was always training – I have a personal trainer – so I was ready. Imagine if I didn’t train and Chelsea called me to come, then it would be more difficult for me.
“I was on holiday with friends and family but I made sure I was ready. I knew Chelsea had an interest in me so that’s why I was training harder and when they called me to come here I was ready, not 100 per cent but ready enough to come here and train.”
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Pedro will battle with Nicolas Jackson and fellow new recruit Liam Delap for a starting spot at Stamford Bridge, but believes he’s an ideal fit for Maresca’s side and plans.
He said: “Every team has a different style to play, Delap has a style, Jackson another and I have my way.
“But I think it’s good for Chelsea. I would say I am a striker. I like to play as a number nine. But also I like to feel free on the pitch.
“And that’s what Enzo said to me: ‘Play like a number nine but come deeper to link up with the other players.’
“I am a very technical player. I like to score as well. I play like a nine, but I also have the mind of a ten as well. This combination will be good for my teammates and for Chelsea.”
Joao Pedro’s Brighton career ended under a cloud. He received a three-game ban after being sent off at Brentford in April and was then dropped for their last two matches following a reported training group bust-up with team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke.
Asked about the latter incident, he said: “I think the people who know me, know my character, but when two players want to win, these things happen and this is normal.
“I now play for Chelsea so I just want to talk about Chelsea. It was just two players in the moment, we both wanted to win.”
With Delap suspended for today’s semi-final against Fluminense, in New York, Pedro is poised to make his first Chelsea start, against the club where he started his professional career.
Maresca said: “I think Joao can play in all the attacking positions for us. He can play wide, he can be inside or he can play as a nine.”
