Joao Pedro said his mentality changed in recent years and revealed the ‘team built’ by Cagliari has helped him 'make a difference' in Serie A.
The Rossoblu attacker has continued with five goals in seven Serie A games this term, maintaining his form from last season, when he finished the campaign with 18 goals in 36 League matches.
“Two years ago, I told myself that the time had come to do more,” he told Tuttosport. “I had to raise my level.
Joao Pedro said his mentality changed in recent years and revealed the ‘team built’ by Cagliari has helped him 'make a difference' in Serie A.
The Rossoblu attacker has continued with five goals in seven Serie A games this term, maintaining his form from last season, when he finished the campaign with 18 goals in 36 League matches.
“Two years ago, I told myself that the time had come to do more,” he told Tuttosport. “I had to raise my level.
“On one hand, I matured and grew as a man. On the other, we have built a team that have a lot of strengths and qualities.
“The two combined have produced this result. Now, I can make a difference.”
The forward, capped 11 times by Brazil U-17, admitted he has never been obsessed about reaching the national team, but hopes he one day his ‘time will come’ at international level too.
“I haven’t thought to much about the Selecao and my attitude has not changed despite all those goals,” he added.
“I just have to maintain this continuity at this level and then, maybe, the time will come to fly high.
“I have to thank my father, who prepared me for so many things that would happen to me.”
The 28-year-old said it’s ‘wonderful’ to follow Italy legend Gigi Riva as a forward for the Rossoblu.
“As soon as I told my father that I was going to Cagliari, he immediately spoke about Riva.
“He’s a legend for Italian football and being there after him is a wonderful feeling.”