Joao Pedro: ‘Italy worth as much as Brazil’

Cagliari striker Joao Pedro is delighted that Roberto Mancini is considering calling him up with the Azzurri: ‘Italy is worth as much as Brazil.’

The 29-year-old is one of Serie A’s most prolific strikers. He has scored nine goals in 16 appearances this season.

He was born in Brazil, but he has an Italian passport, so he can play with La Nazionale.

“You all know how strong my relationship with Italy is,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“What I have achieved in my career is because of Italy, that’s where my sons were born. Italy is worth as much as Brazil, so I am already happy that they consider me, even if nothing happens.

“I’ve improved physically, I have a small gym at home and I am always connected with my personal physio, Luis. I’ve played many roles in my career and this is helping me.

“Now, I don’t think about the future, I live the moment and I am only focused on the present.”