‘I am very happy’ – Joao Pedro signs new Chelsea contract until 2034

Chelsea have announced that striker Joao Pedro has signed a new contract, extending his stay at the club until 2034.

Pedro hit the ground running after joining Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer, scoring three goals to help them win the Club World Cup.

The 24-year-old registered 23 goals and nine assists last season and was voted Chelsea’s Player of the Season.

The Brazilian attacker has shown no signs of slowing down, scoring seven goals in five pre-season games.

“I am very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea,” Pedro said.

“I always dreamed of playing for a big club, and it means a lot to me to give my long-term commitment to this club. Chelsea has a long tradition of winning, and has big ambitions for the future.

“I have a very good relationship with everyone here at the club, and I have felt at home here in London from the moment that I joined.

“Everyone is very excited for this season. We know we can achieve a lot. We have a great team, and we have a coach who wants to win and has already won.

“I am fully committed – everyone is ready. Hopefully, we can achieve our targets.”

Manager Xabi Alonso has been impressed with Pedro’s ‘personality’, with the former Brighton forward demonstrating his ‘desire to have a great season’.

However, there are concerns surrounding Pedro after he agreed to take the number nine shirt for the new campaign.

He will be hoping to break a long-standing trend, with high-profile forwards such as Fernando Torres, Radamel Falcao, Gonzalo Higuain and Romelu Lukaku having struggled in the shirt.

The Blues’ success this season will not depend solely on Pedro. They also need Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Estevao, Reece James and Morgan Rogers to be at their best.

The Brazil international is expected to lead the attack when Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign at Fulham on Monday.