De Zerbi admits to not knowing who Joao Pedro was prior to him joining Brighton

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Brighton FC head coach, Roberto De Zerbi revealed after his teams FA Cup win over Stoke City that he had not heard of Brazilian forward Joao Pedro before the striker joined the club last summer.

The Seagulls who are renowned for scouting young players, purchased the striker from Watford for a club-record fee last May, and the striker took his tally for Brighton this season to fifteen (15) with his brace at Stoke this afternoon.

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Speaking after the 4-2 FA Cup win at the Bet365 Stadium, De Zerbi said; “The credit for Joao Pedro is to the club.

“The recruitment department told me the name of Joao. I didn’t know Joao before he came with us.

“I love Joao Pedro and I know his potential. I know how he can improve and become important for us.

“I think he can reach a higher level and to reach that level he can play better, he can push more and more.”