The Brazil international first made waves at Fluminense, where his blistering pace and natural goal-scoring instincts caught the attention of clubs across Europe.
Rather than moving straight to a football powerhouse, he took what many considered a gamble by joining Watford in the second tier.
"Today's Joao Pedro is the Joao Pedro I've always dreamed of being," he told reporters.
"I am representing my country, I am in a big club in England, which has always been my dream to play there since I was a kid.
"I think I'm very calm with everything I've been going through. Because, as you said, my start at Fluminense was good. But then I had this transfer at Watford, I played in the second division.
"Many people thought I was crazy because I was doing so well at Fluminense, and I left very young. But I believe I made the right choice. In the end, everything worked out. I'm in Chelsea, I'm in the national team. Confident, happy.
" And I think it's just the beginning of a beautiful story to come. Not only with the national team jersey, but also with Chelsea."