Being part of “one big family” is why Joao Pedro is happy still to be at Watford after a tumultuous transfer window – and he says his sights are set firmly on promotion…and winning the Championship.

The 20-year-old forward spent most of the summer being linked with moves away from Vicarage Road, but let his football do the talking for him with a couple of goals and a memorable assist for Ismaila Sarr in the game with Middlesbrough.

Now the window has shut, the rumours have died away and Joao said he is aiming to show the fans just how much he is committed to the club by his performances on the pitch.

“I feel part of a family,” he said. “Every single person at the training ground has shown me a lot of care and affection, and I believe that isn’t just for what I do on the pitch but also for the kind of person I am.

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“I also think I have a relationship with our fans. I hear the songs with my name when I am on the pitch and I do my best to give back the love they give to me. When I am out on the pitch I am trying to repay the good feelings they give me. I hear the songs, I feel the love and I truly appreciate it.

“Since I came here as a young boy, this is what Watford and the fans represent: one big family.”

Despite that obvious commitment, it must have come as a relief when the clock ticked past 11pm on September 1?

“Yes I’m happy the transfer window is shut, because I can focus on the season and do the best I can for Watford,” he said.

“It didn’t unsettle me because I’ve always been chilled. I just waited to see what was going to happen, but I knew whatever happened would be the best for me.”

When he missed the game at Preston with a calf injury, there were suggestions on social media he wasn’t actually injured at all.

“I wasn’t annoyed or nervous about that situation,” he said. “It did make things a bit uncomfortable but I knew the truth and people can say what they like.

“I’m happy here at Watford, I know everyone. I’ve enjoyed my three years at the club so far and I’m happy to carry on here.”

And what does Joao think should be the target for Watford, now he has committed his future to the club?

“Promotion. That is the objective. We need to win the Championship and go back up to the Premier League.”

With his future now sorted, Joao also knows he has a strong support network at Watford, both inside the club but also at home.

“Of course that is very helpful,” he said. “I live with my Mum and my grandmother, and they are like mentors to me. If ever I am down or sad, they are always there to support me and I am grateful for that.”

The warmth with which he talks about his family is palpable, and earlier this summer he took his Mum for a short break when the squad were given a few days off during pre-season. However, while many of his teammates jumped on a plane and headed abroad, Joao went to…Bournemouth.

“We were still waiting for some documents for my Mum so that meant we couldn’t go abroad,” he explained.

“I wanted to take the chance to spend some time with her, it was summer and it was very hot, so we decided to go to Bournemouth so we could enjoy the beach together. It’s nice there but it’s very different to the Copacabana!

“And I didn’t try fish and chips. I like English food but I didn’t try that, and the club’s nutritionists would probably kill me anyway!”

Before his professional career, Joao honed his technique and skills by playing futsal and regular football on the beach.

“When I was younger I used to play futsal as well as football, but when I turned 13 I had to decide if I was going to play one or the other. I chose football but I believe having played futsal was very helpful in developing my skills,” he said.

“I also think another big turning point for me was playing in the street with other kids from nearby. It doesn’t matter if you’re six, 12 or 20, you all play together and that is somewhere that you learn a lot very quickly.

“It’s probably not as common to see street football as it used to be, but it is still played. I think that is where all the best talent came from. It’s a very important part of life for a Brazilian football player.”

Watching him play and hearing him speak so maturely, it is easy to forget that Joao is still only 20. Head coach Rob Edwards has, therefore, played a big part in continuing his development since he joined the club.

“He always asks me how I am and takes time to talk to me,” said Joao. “He has given me very good tips and advice, and I think he is doing an exceptional job. The whole squad are taking advantage of the great work he is doing with us.

“He has time for everyone and you see him talking with each player. His approach is very important, the players like his direct and personal way of working with us.”

He repaid his head coach on the opening night of the season when he scored the winner against Sheffield United.

“It was a great moment for me, but also for the team because of the occasion and the importance of getting the result,” the forward said.

 “I set high objectives for myself and I am always very happy when I score a goal.

“It was a great pass from Isma (Sarr). He is a fantastic player, and together we can do many things. We talk to each other on the pitch and we connect well.”

Of course, anyone who was at the game at Rotherham, or saw the highlights later, will have seen Joao run 50 yards back down the pitch when possession was lost, eventually tackling and winning the ball back and casually walking away with it just outside his own penalty area.

“Everyone wants to see players who do that, especially attacking players who run back after the ball. I think it’s important that I help out in defence, and it sends a message to my teammates. I think it’s the sort of attitude we have to show if we want to win every game.”