Joao Pedro extends Chelsea stay with new long-term deal

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Joao Pedro has signed a new contract with Chelsea, keeping him at the London club until 2032 with an option of two further years.

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The striker’s previous deal, signed when he joined from Brighton for £60 million ($82 million) a year ago, was set to run until 2032 with the option for an extra year.

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The contract extension follows Joao Pedro’s fine debut season for the Blues, when he scored 20 goals.

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“I am very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea,” he told the club’s website.

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“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 it has big ambitions for the future.

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“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.”

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Joao Pedro, a surprise omission from the Brazil squad for this year’s World Cup, has reportedly been the subject of interest from Barcelona and the contract extension is a sign of Chelsea’s determination to keep the 24-year-old at Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea, under new manager Xabi Alonso, begin their Premier League campaign away to west London rivals Fulham on Monday.

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AFP

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