Exciting young forward Matheus Martins has set his sights on becoming Watford’s next big Brazilian star, after re-signing for the club on a season-long loan deal from Udinese earlier this week.
The 19-year-old hailed the influence of fellow attacker João Pedro during his first six months at the club in the last campaign, when he swapped the Samba sunshine for the English winter and went on to make six appearances for the Hornets.
Alongside João Pedro - who left Hertfordshire for Premier League Brighton at the start of this summer - Richarlison is another ex-Golden Boy revered by Martins, who feels he is now in an ideal position to kickstart his development and add more minutes and goals to his tally.
“I’m very happy to be at Watford again,” Martins said. “My first six months here were good - I gained good experience of the club and of the Championship - but now I definitely feel more at home.
“The biggest thing I had to adapt to was the weather. I’d never seen snow before in my life, so to go from 40 degrees in Rio de Janeiro to the freezing cold did take some getting used to!
“João Pedro really helped me when I first came over, particularly with the language, and I feel like I’m properly at home now because I’m used to the weather, to the town and I know the club and all the people.
“I feel really good here, and this is the right club for me to grow. I’ve seen what other Brazilians have done at this club - like João and Richarlison - and I want to follow in their footsteps and have a big impact.”
Before sealing his return to Vicarage Road, Martins was busy on international duty in May and June, catching the eye with two goals in five appearances as Brazil reached the quarter-finals of the Under-20 World Cup in Argentina.
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He said: “The World Cup was a great experience for me and my career. We weren’t able to win the tournament - which ultimately was our objective - but it was good to represent my country on such a big stage.
“I think experiences like that have helped me gain more confidence, and made me more prepared to play more games, get more assists and score goals for Watford and try to help the team push for the Premier League.”
The appointment of Valérien Ismaël in May means Martins will be working under a new Head Coach during 2023/24, and he has enjoyed getting to grips with the boss’ fresh methods during the first three weeks of pre-season training.
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Having last tasted competitive action for the Hornets at Burnley in February, the Campo Grande native is counting down to the Sky Bet Championship curtain-raiser at home to Queens Park Rangers (Saturday August 5, 3pm KO), when he hopes to strut his stuff in front of the Watford supporters once again.
He added: “I like the new coach a lot. I like his ideas and I can understand well what he wants from us as players. His mentality and the way he wants us to play gives me confidence, and I’ve enjoyed all of the conversations I’ve had with him so far.
“I can’t wait to pull on the Watford shirt again, to begin the season and hopefully start the path to promotion. Helping the team is always my main aim, and I’m looking forward to the rest of pre-season before beginning at home on the opening day.”
