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Joao Pedro hails Danny Welbeck’s influence after Chelsea reunion
06th August, 2026 10:43 AM
Joao Pedro has paid tribute to Danny Welbeck, describing the experienced striker as someone who played a huge role in helping him settle into English football following their latest reunion at Chelsea.
The pair have now become club teammates for a third time, having previously shared dressing rooms at Watford and Brighton & Hove Albion before linking up again at Stamford Bridge.
Welbeck officially joined Chelsea from Brighton last week and made his debut for the Blues during Wednesday’s, August 5, 2026 pre-season clash against Juventus. The veteran forward featured for the opening 45 minutes, quickly showing his understanding with his teammates, including Joao Pedro.
Their relationship dates back to the 2019/20 season when an 18-year-old Joao Pedro arrived at Watford from Brazil. At the time, the young attacker was adjusting to life in England during the Covid-19 pandemic while also dealing with the challenge of not speaking English.
Looking back on that difficult period, Joao Pedro explained how much Welbeck’s support meant to him.
“Personally, Danny is a very important person for me in life,” Joao Pedro said. “When I came to England, I didn’t speak English, but he always tried to be around me to support me and help me develop.
“This will now be the third time that we have played together and I think, as he did with me in the past, he will give support to everyone in the squad. Danny is this guy; he is very helpful and wants the best for everyone around him and for the team.
“Everyone knows that he is a top player. I’m looking forward to playing alongside him again and I think he will be a very good person to have in the group.”
Joao Pedro believes Welbeck’s leadership and willingness to help others will be a major asset for Chelsea, both on and off the pitch, as the club prepares for the new campaign.
Welbeck has also reunited with several former Brighton teammates at Chelsea, including Moises Caicedo, who was equally delighted to see the former England international arrive.
Speaking earlier in the week, the Ecuador midfielder highlighted Welbeck’s character and the positive impact he expects him to have on the squad.
“When he arrived here, I gave him a hug because I was so happy when he signed,” Caicedo explained earlier this week.
“As a player and as a person, Danny is top. He helped me a lot when I arrived at Brighton. He was so important for me and to have him here at Chelsea, it feels good. I am so happy to have him here and he is going to help us a lot for sure. With his mentality, he has everything and he is going to be so important for us.”
With the respect and admiration shown by both Joao Pedro and Caicedo, Welbeck’s return to their side appears set to bring more than just experience, offering valuable leadership and guidance to Chelsea’s evolving squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.
