'I'm sorry' - Joao Pedro risks drawing the ire of Chelsea fans after Lukaku-like comments

Joao Pedro has risked annoying Chelsea supporters after remarks made following the Blues’ 2-0 Club World Cup semi-final win over Fluminense. 

The forward scored two spectacular goals for the Premier League side on his first start for Enzo Maresca’s men to put his old club to the sword in the last four. 

Joao Pedro understandably expressed mixed emotions after the game, but certain comments may have rubbed Chelsea supporters the wrong way. 

Speaking after his brace, the forward apologised for scoring, acknowledging the sadness of his former teammates and staff, but affirmed it was his job. 

He reiterated his love for Fluminense and expressed a desire to return to the club one day.

“I’ve got mixed feelings,” Joao Pedro told FIFA. “I apologise for the two goals. This is my job. I’m sad to see some of the players I played alongside, some of the staff I know upset. Seeing their sadness is difficult, because I know this was their dream.    

“I’m sorry but the Fluminense fans know how much I love the club. I hope to return to Fluminense one day. I can’t predict the future, but I hope we see each other again.”

Observant supporters may notice similarities between Joao Pedro's comments and those of former Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku, who made remarks to Sky Italia in December 2021 about possibly returning to Inter Milan months after rejoining the Blues. 

"I want to say a big apology to the Inter fans because I think the way I left should have been different," said Lukaku to Sky Italia in 2021 via BBC Sport. "I really hope in the depths of my heart to return to Inter, not at the end of my career, but at a still good level to hopefully win more."

Although those Lukaku remarks were borne out of frustration at Chelsea’s altered approach under Thomas Tuchel and him seemingly becoming a bit-part player after six months after a strong start, Joao Pedro’s, which came only a week after joining the Blues, was hinting at a future return to possibly wind up his career. 

After beating Fluminense in Tuesday’s semi-final, Chelsea will face PSG or Real Madrid in the Club World Cup final.