I WAS ON THE BEACH... NOW I'M IN THE SEMI-FINAL!

CHELSEA new boy Joao Pedro has revealed how he stepped off the beach in Rio to try to become a world champion.

- FROM JOHN CROSS

The Brazil striker was sunning himself on holiday last week yet is now set to play in the Blues' Club World Cup semifinal in New York.

The 23-year-old hired a personal trainer because he was aware of Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca's interest earlier this summer and wanted to be in top physical condition so he could fly to the United States.

Chelsea striker Pedro, who moved to Stamford Bridge in a £60million switch from Brighton, made his debut in the quarterfinal win over Palmeiras (below) just 48 hours after signing for the Londoners

And now he has his sights set on the final at the weekend.