Joao Pedro: Cole Palmer would start for Brazil | Why Neymar is an idol to me and my Mum

João Pedro opens up on the pressure and sacrifices behind his journey from Brazil to the Premier League - revealing how his mum quitting her job to support his football dream made him realise at just 15 years old that he had no choice but to succeed.

Whilst relaxing in Rio's Airbnb, Joao reveals how he was inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James, João explains why he became obsessed with doing extra work after moving to England and how switching from winger to striker completely changed his career - despite initially hating the move.

He also tells Rio how Watford convinced him to move ahead of waiting for clubs like Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester City and how Richarlison showed him that Premier League success was possible.

João gives hilarious insight into training ground battles with Marc Cucurella, Moisés Caicedo and Reece James - while also backing James to become the best right-back in world football because of his mentality and leadership.

There’s fascinating tactical discussion too as João explains why movement is the strongest part of his game, how Cole Palmer’s creativity has helped him become more dangerous in the box and why he now sees himself as a number nine in the mould of Harry Kane and Sergio Agüero. He also admits he completely underestimated Palmer when he first arrived - before eventually deciding the Chelsea star would comfortably start for the current Brazil team under Carlo Ancelotti.

The conversation also gives brilliant insight into the pressure surrounding the Brazilian national team, Ancelotti’s influence on the squad and why Neymar is still discussed “every single day” in Brazil ahead of what could be his final World Cup.

Plus there are brilliant stories around Vinicius Jr’s mentality, Casemiro’s leadership and what it felt like walking into his first Brazil training camp alongside players he’d previously only seen on FIFA

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