In an exclusive interview with Flashscore, the attacking midfielder shares insights about working with Arda Turan, addresses rumours of a possible first-time call-up to the Ukrainian national team, and finally sets the record straight about Corinthians’ supposed interest in bringing him back.
Pedrinho, welcome! You’re now in Turkey for Shakhtar’s winter training camp. How are things there? Is the cold the biggest challenge, or is it the rain?
"It’s a pleasure to talk to you. Thank God, we’re here in Turkey for mid-season. It’s not that cold, but it’s been raining a lot. This is my third year doing mid-season here. The facilities are excellent, which helps us train well and return to the season in top shape."
You’ve been outstanding this season: 14 matches, five goals, and five assists in the league, plus key performances in the Ukrainian Cup and Conference League. Do you feel you’re at the peak of your career?
"Yes, I’m really happy with how things are going. I think it all comes down to confidence, especially from the coach and the team. I’ve taken on an important role, and that trust allows me to play freely and contribute, whether it’s scoring or assisting.
"This is the best half-season I could have hoped for, and I want to keep it up so we can win trophies. If I’m doing well, the team is too, and we’ll fight for big things."
Shakhtar is in a tight race for the top spot. What’s been the key factor? Is it Arda Turan’s influence on the bench? People often say a player’s prime is at 28, which you’re about to reach...
"There are several factors. With age comes experience. Our squad is very young and talented, but it needed that maturity. Even at 27, I try to pass on my experience to them.
"As for Arda Turan, he reached the top as a player, and that adds a lot. He and his staff push us to our limits, both physically and technically. He has a winning mentality and keeps us on our toes, whether it’s in the Ukrainian league or the Conference League."
Arda Turan is quite a young coach (at 38) and only recently retired. What’s it like having someone as a reference who played at the highest level for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid?
"It helps a lot. He pays attention to details that others might miss because he’s experienced it on the pitch. He talks to me a lot since he was a midfielder too; he knows where I can improve.
"He lived through Barcelona’s possession style and Atletico’s transitions, so that background shapes his energy. He’s a very energetic guy who keeps us performing at a high level."
Shakhtar currently has 11 Brazilians in the squad. That’s almost a full team. What’s it like having this 'Brazilian culture' so far from home?
"It’s crucial for us. We live far away, in a cold place with tough circumstances. Having other Brazilians around makes all the difference. Our culture is joyful, we’re always joking around, and that helps new arrivals adapt quickly.
"Playing abroad isn’t easy - the style, the food, the language all change. When I arrived, there were already many Brazilians, which made it easier for me to work with (Roberto) De Zerbi at the time."
One of those young players shining is Kaua Elias. Do you see him as having the potential to become a top striker in the future?
"Absolutely. He’s very young, but he came with some experience from Fluminense. You can see his technical quality. He’s helped us a lot and has a bright, successful career ahead of him."
The situation in Ukraine is very complicated. Shakhtar is now a nomadic team - training in Kyiv, playing in Lviv, and travelling across Europe for the Conference League. What’s it like living with that routine?
"It’s not easy. Only those who are here know how tough it is. It affects us on the pitch because we don’t have a fixed home; one day we’re in one place, the next in another. The logistics are demanding: sometimes it’s six hours by bus to Lviv, then another seven to Poland for a European match.
"Arda Turan is smart and rotates the squad a lot because of this. We prioritise the Ukrainian league, which gives us access to the Champions League, but we’re all hoping for the war to end soon."
And what about your family? Are they with you in Ukraine?
"I spent a year alone out of caution. It’s tough to travel to Poland knowing your kids are in Ukraine and at risk. But after a year, I brought my wife, children, sister, and aunt. My parents came too, but left because they were scared.
"Now in February, when we return to Ukraine, I’ll have to rethink the logistics to make sure it’s safe for them. We live in an apartment in Lviv, while some other Brazilians prefer to stay at the club’s resort, which has all the facilities."
Recently, there was news that Ukrainian coach Serhiy Rebrov was interested in naturalising you to play, as soon as March, against Sweden in the World Cup playoffs. Is there any truth to that?
"To be honest, I only heard about it online. No one from the coaching staff has spoken to me directly. I heard rumours through my agents, but nothing official. I woke up surprised by all the news. It’s not just up to me; there are many factors involved. I’ll wait to see if the interest is real before making any decision."
But, hypothetically, if the invitation came tomorrow, would you accept to play for Ukraine?
"I’d have to think about what’s best for my career and my family. Playing in a World Cup is a dream. I’ve always dreamed of representing Brazil, but I’d sit down with my family and consider if it would be good for my development.
"Ukraine is close to qualifying for the World Cup. If it’s something that adds to my career, I’d consider it carefully. But, of course, my childhood dream will always be the Brazilian national team."
You were part of that U23 squad with players like Bruno Guimaraes, Antony, Matheus Cunha, and Gabriel Martinelli. Do you still keep in touch with them?
"Yes, it was a fantastic team! I’m still in contact with them. Matheus Cunha and Antony are like brothers to me. I was called up for almost everything, except the Olympics, because of an injury, which was really tough since (Andre Soares) Jardine trusted me. I’m very happy to see their success now; Cunha is one of the best I’ve played with."
In 2020, you left Brazil for Benfica for €18 million when Jorge Jesus returned. Looking back, what do you think was missing for you to shine in Portugal?
"It was a move that required a lot of adaptation, and I was very young. The squad was brilliant (Darwin Nunez, Everton Cebolinha, Nicolas Otamendi), and I didn’t get as many chances as I’d hoped. Plus, it was during the peak of the pandemic, with no fans in the stadium.
"I see it as a learning experience. I was happy to play for a huge club like Benfica, but unfortunately, it wasn’t the season I dreamed of."
And how was your relationship with Jorge Jesus?
"Jorge Jesus is very demanding and intense, as everyone knows. But he’s also very smart and has achieved a lot. I learned from him, even though I didn’t play much. When the opportunity to join Shakhtar came up, I didn’t think twice."
At Benfica, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin (formerly of Shakhtar) has been a standout. Were you surprised by his level?
"No, I wasn’t surprised because I know how good he is. He’s always been a miracle worker in goal. Even when he was very young at Shakhtar, he was already a big-game keeper. We always knew he’d be there to save us."
Finally, there were rumours last year about Corinthians wanting you back. Was there ever a concrete offer?
"There was no real interest. I have a huge affection and gratitude for Corinthians; it’s the club that launched me and where I was very happy. If there had been interest, I’d have loved to return and help. But it was just speculation and internet rumours; no one contacted me directly."