AS morale-boosters go ahead of your first cap in six years — and against England at Wembley — being bigged up by Gary Lineker ain’t too bad.
That is what has happened to Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira, recalled by Brazil for the first time since 2018.
He was celebrating the Cottagers’ fine 3-0 win over Spurs at an Italian restaurant on the Fulham Road on Sunday when he bumped into Three Lions legend Lineker.
The Match of the Day host was having a meal with some of his sons after seeing Leicester lose 4-2 at Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-final.
And Pereira said: “When I saw him, I went to his table to say hello because I know he is a big legend.
“He just told me to keep going, that I was having a good season.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
“And he told me I was a good footballer and that is a big compliment coming from such a big player like that.”
Lineker was not wrong.
Pereira, 28, has been instrumental for Fulham in the Premier League over the last two seasons.
He is progressing from the player who wilted under the pressure in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson years at Manchester United.
Most read in Football
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER
Pereira made 75 appearances for the Red Devils but never truly convinced as one of their playmakers.
After loan spells to Granada, Valencia, Lazio and Flamengo — where he played under new Brazil coach Dorival Jr — he left Old Trafford for good in the summer of 2022, joining the Cottagers in a £10million deal.
And he has not looked back.
Pereira’s five goals and 11 assists in the Premier League since then — for a side that was tipped to struggle — have given him the chance finally to add to his solitary Brazil cap. He said: “I am very, very happy at Fulham.
“I feel at home in London. I am living one of the best moments in my career.
“For me to come back after six years to the national team is massive, a dream come true.
“I worked really hard to be here and I am really happy I get this opportunity to be here and defend my country, especially against England. England gave me the opportunity to show my football and get back in the national team.
“It is a special game for me and my family.”
The last time Brazil won a tournament was fewer years ago than when England won a tournament
Andreas Pereira
It may be a special game for Pereira but many are tipping it to be a miserable one for Brazil.
The Samba Boys are short of their star quality, save for Real Madrid trio Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and 17-year-old Endrick and have lost their last three games.
They are in a real battle to make the 2026 World Cup, with just seven points from six qualifiers so far.
With Gareth Southgate able to call upon the likes of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, some regard England to be miles ahead.
But Pereira said: “The last time Brazil won a tournament was fewer years ago than when England won a tournament.
“We could say there is a gap but Brazil will always have big, big players.
“England as well. We respect them and we know it is going to be a tough game.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“It is a big honour to be part of this Brazilian national team, especially in this new beginning.
“Hopefully, I can cement my place now and do a good job.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
