Ex-Man Utd star reveals pep talk from Gary Lineker after ‘special’ recall for Brazil
AS morale boosters are heading for your first cap in six years – and against England at Wembley – being fielded by Gary Lineker isn’t too bad.
That’s what happened to Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira, who was recalled by Brazil for the first time since 2018.
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He was celebrating the Cottagers’ stunning 3-0 win over Spurs in 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 dinner with some of his sons after watching 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.
“And he told me I was a good football player and that’s a big compliment from such a great player.”
Lineker wasn’t wrong.
Pereira, 28, has played an important role for Fulham in the Premier League over the past two seasons.
He has progressed from the player who succumbed to pressure in the years following Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
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Pereira played 75 games for the Red Devils but was never really convincing as one of their playmakers.
After loan spells at Granada, Valencia, Lazio and Flamengo – where he played under new Brazilian coach Dorival Jr. – he left Old Trafford for good in the summer of 2022, joining the Cottagers on a £10 million contract.
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And he hasn’t looked back.
Pereira’s five goals and 11 assists in the Premier League since then – for a side on the brink of contention – have finally given him the chance to add to his only Brazil cap. He said: “I am very happy at Fulham.
“I feel at home in London. I’m experiencing one of the best moments of my career.
“It’s huge that I’m returning to the national team after six years, a dream come true.
“I have worked very hard to be here and I am very happy to have this opportunity to be here and defend my country, especially against England. England gave me the opportunity to show my football and return to the national team.
“It’s 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 match for Pereira, but many say it is a miserable match for Brazil.
The Samba Boys lack star quality, apart from 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 reach the 2026 World Cup, with just seven points from six qualifying matches so far.
With Gareth Southgate able to call on the likes of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, some see England as having a big advantage.
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 too. We respect them and we know it will be a tough match.
“It is a great honor to be part of this Brazilian national team, especially in this new beginning.
“Hopefully I can now consolidate my position and do a good job.”
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