£60m striker’s strange behaviour explained after “dream” debut | OneFootball

A week ago Joao Pedro wasn’t even a Chelsea player. Now he’s damn near a cult hero already.

After an impressive cameo off the bench last weekend against Palmeiras in the quarter finals of the Club World Cup just days after signing, he started his first game for the Blues tonight, and bagged 2 goals.

Both were awesome power strikes, showing a side of his game which we’re really excited to see more of.

Joao Pedro on “dream” of debut brace

Joao Pedro no-celebrates. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Speaking to DAZN after the game, he was understandably overwhelmed by it all:

“I think it was a dream. I don’t think it could have been better,” the former Brighton man said.

“Two goals. Now we need to think about the final. I am very happy to score two goals today.”

Speaking of the final – he’s surely already earned himself a starting spot in that game. Nicolas Jackson came on as a sub in this game and only continued to frustrate, while Liam Delap is still adapting to the system. Surely you can’t drop your £60m new striker after he bagged a brace?

Striker’s strange behavior explained

One notable thing from both goals – which would have looked strange – was the lack of celebration from the striker. He’s not only a former Fluminense kid, the club also reportedly went above and beyond to help Joao Pedro and his family when he was in the academy. He clearly feels great affection for him, and we never object to a “no celebration celebration” under those circumstances:

“I can just say sorry [to Fluminense] but I have to be professional. I play for Chelsea. They pay me to score goals and today I was happy to score.”

His first goals WITH a celebration are going to be even sweeter now.