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Glasgow Times
35 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Chelsea's Joao Pedro ready to start in Club World Cup semi after Rio beach break
The Brazil striker completed his £60million move to the Blues from Brighton last week and was immediately named on the bench for Friday's Club World Cup quarter-final win over Palmeiras in Philadelphia. Now with fellow forward Liam Delap suspended for Tuesday's semi-final against another Brazilian side, Fluminense, in New York, the 23-year-old is poised to make his first start. It has been a whirlwind week for Joao Pedro, who had been on holiday when the call from Chelsea came, but he says he is primed for action. Joao Pedro was signed for £60million from Brighton (Adam Davy/PA) 'I was on holiday,' he said. '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. 'If I'm going to start or not, it's not my decision, but I will try to improve, be ready for (head coach) Enzo (Maresca) and if he needs me we will see.' Joao Pedro, who appeared as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 win over Palmeiras, began his professional career with Fluminense. Enzo Maresca has a decision to make up front (Nell Redmond/AP) He said: 'Of course I spent a lot of time and years there. I grew up there and it will be an unbelievable experience, but now I play for Chelsea so I need to focus on my team and who plays better will win the game.' 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.' Joao Pedro was reportedly involved in a bust-up with Jan Paul van Hecke (Joe Giddens/PA) It is not yet clear which position Joao Pedro will play at Chelsea, with Delap and Nicolas Jackson also competing for the centre-forward's spot. 'Delap has a style, Jackson another and I have my way, but I think that's good for Chelsea,' he added. 'I think who brings more good things to the team is going to play. Everyone will have to work hard and then Enzo will decide.' Asked about this selection dilemma at his pre-match press conference, Maresca said: 'I've said many times, I prefer to have five players scoring 10, 12 goals each than just once striker scoring 40 goals. 'But 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.'
North Wales Chronicle
37 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Chelsea's Joao Pedro ready to start in Club World Cup semi after Rio beach break
The Brazil striker completed his £60million move to the Blues from Brighton last week and was immediately named on the bench for Friday's Club World Cup quarter-final win over Palmeiras in Philadelphia. Now with fellow forward Liam Delap suspended for Tuesday's semi-final against another Brazilian side, Fluminense, in New York, the 23-year-old is poised to make his first start. It has been a whirlwind week for Joao Pedro, who had been on holiday when the call from Chelsea came, but he says he is primed for action. 'I was on holiday,' he said. '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. 'If I'm going to start or not, it's not my decision, but I will try to improve, be ready for (head coach) Enzo (Maresca) and if he needs me we will see.' Joao Pedro, who appeared as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 win over Palmeiras, began his professional career with Fluminense. He said: 'Of course I spent a lot of time and years there. I grew up there and it will be an unbelievable experience, but now I play for Chelsea so I need to focus on my team and who plays better will win the game.' 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.' It is not yet clear which position Joao Pedro will play at Chelsea, with Delap and Nicolas Jackson also competing for the centre-forward's spot. 'Delap has a style, Jackson another and I have my way, but I think that's good for Chelsea,' he added. 'I think who brings more good things to the team is going to play. Everyone will have to work hard and then Enzo will decide.' Asked about this selection dilemma at his pre-match press conference, Maresca said: 'I've said many times, I prefer to have five players scoring 10, 12 goals each than just once striker scoring 40 goals. 'But 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.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Aussie who made soccer history when he came out as gay reveals his huge life change - with a touch of mystery
A-League star Josh Cavallo has revealed he is relocating to the United Kingdom with his fiancé - but his sporting future remains unknown. Cavallo, 25, rose to international prominence in 2021 when he became the first openly gay male footballer actively playing in a top-flight league. At the time, the Adelaide United defender stated he didn't want to feel ashamed about his sexuality and was exhausted after trying to live a 'double life'. Taking to Instagram on Monday, Cavallo told his 1.1 million followers he is looking forward to living in England. 'It's not goodbye forever but now, it's time to leave the nest with my fiancé by my side,' his post began. 'Football and life have taken me further than I ever imagined, and new opportunities have led to a new life waiting for us across the world. Taking to Instagram on Monday, Cavallo (pictured right with Morrell) told his 1.1 million Instagram followers he is looking forward to living in England 'I never imagined that living my truth would unlock doors from the pitch to every corner of my personal life. 'Whether you've followed my journey from the beginning or found strength in it along the way, your presence has meant more than words can ever say. 'Especially to the LGBTQ+ community, you are the reason I never gave up. 'You helped me see that I wasn't alone and that none of us are. For the boy who once looked in the mirror and questioned why he was different, this is proof that you can find your place in this world.' The first professional player to come out while still playing was Britain's Justin Fashanu in 1990, but he never found acceptance in the game and tragically took his own life in 1998. Once he made his announcement, Cavallo received support on social media from the likes of Matildas skipper Sam Kerr, ex-Barcelona defender Gerard Pique and former England striker Gary Lineker. He also labelled the support from Adelaide United teammates and officials 'immense', before adding he wanted to be a positive role model for gay footballers. 'It's OK to be gay and play football - I want to show all the other people who are struggling and are scared,' Cavallo said. The left back came through the youth ranks at Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City before securing an A-League move to Western United in 2019. He played 10 matches for the Green and Black before signing a short contract with Adelaide United in 2021. In May, Adelaide United confirmed Cavallo was departing the club, labelling their former star a 'symbol of courage, authenticity and positive change.' Daily Mail Australia reached out to Cavallo and Wax - who manage the athlete - regarding any potential football opportunities abroad.
