Joao Pedro has said he feels settled and ready to play again as he prepares to be an important figure in Watford's Championship campaign.

The Brazilian arrived last January from Fluminense and made a handful of appearances as the Hornets were relegated from the top flight.

Now, the teenager looks set for a bigger role in the upcoming campaign, which he feels he is better equipped for having spent the period in lockdown building his physical strength.

“I think lockdown was a really important time for me,” he told the club website.

“I gained seven kilos, I bulked up. It is important to be able to be on the pitch, protect the ball, and hold the ball. So, quarantine was fundamental. It wasn’t great having to stay at home, but I was in the position where I could focus on bulking up.

“The seven kilos have helped me in every sense. They gave me more strength on the pitch and stability, the ability to hold the ball and keep possession.”

Reflecting on last season's disappointment, Pedro feels he could have offered more to help the side avoid the drop.

The forward describes how upset the team were following that day at the Emirates when they knew they had been relegated.

“When I was coming on against Arsenal, all I was thinking about was trying to keep Watford in the Premier League,” he said.

“It was my main objective and what I cared most about at the time. Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to [stay in the Premier League]. I was able to contribute and I think I was really aggressive coming on the left. I managed to get right up there.

“But again, unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to get a win. All the players were devastated. Some of them cried. We were so disappointed, but we were in the wrong and we had to face that.”

A number of players have helped Pedro settle in to life in England, including those from South America and those who speak Portuguese.

However, the departure of Heurelho Gomes this summer has affected the 18-year-old, who said the goalkeeper treated him with kindness.

“I think the South Americans have helped me a lot, particularly Domingos, Tucu (Maxi Pereyra),” he said.

“They have helped with everything I’ve needed. Adam Masina, too. I think everyone has helped me, even those that don’t understand what I am saying. They have all helped me. I feel settled now, I’ve adapted.

“Gomes is a man with a big heart that helped me in every way possible. He treats me like his own (child). I’m going to miss him. He is a guy who I will always remember for the help and kindness he showed me. I will remember him forever as you do when a person adds something positive to your life. I care a lot about him.”