By Ryan Hanks
A University of Derby student who moved to the UK to study but could not speak a word of English has spoken about how football helped him overcome his mental health struggles and the language barrier.
University of Derby football Men’s Fifths player Guilherme Pereira opened up on the mental health issues he struggled with throughout his time playing.
Pereira moved to England at the age of 16 to prepare for University.
He said: “When I moved to England I didn’t speak English at all and found it hard to adapt.
“But football was basically a separate language and helped me learn and settle in with something new.”
Pereira is a student at the University of Derby and is in his third and final year studying business marketing. Away from his studies, he plays for and is the vice-captain of the University’s fifth football team.
Pereira has now played his last game for the team, bringing the curtain down on his playing career at the University of Derby.
Pereira said: “I feel sad that such a great period of my life has come to an end.
“Football has helped me throughout the years in Derby. It has been a way to unload any stress and worries.
“It is a way to escape. Mentally football is essential for me.”
Last year Pereira took a placement year away from Derby which kept him away from football. He spoke on how challenging that was.
Pereira said: “I just felt a little empty emotionally and mentally.
“I had no one around me.”
After struggling for first team football in his early years, Pereira became a mainstay under new manager Josh Griffiths.
The midfielder has made seven appearances for Derby this season, getting two goals and supplying seven assists in the Men’s Midlands Tier 5.
Griffiths spoke on what Pereira brought to the dressing room. He said: “His impact is massive. He cares about every person in there and acts as the leader.
“It would not be the same without him.”
Pereira then went on to speak about his relationship with Griffiths and how much he helped him.
Pereira said “We bonded straight away and have developed a great friendship.
“I’m so happy that I can call him the last manager I played under as he has helped me a lot this season.
“I struggled with injury early on in the season but he stuck by me and reassured me that I still have an important role in the team.
“He is a top manager and an even better person.”
On Wednesday afternoon, 26 February 2025, Pereira played his last game in a 5-3 win against local rivals Nottingham Trent University and topped it off with a goal from 30 yards out.
He said: “I couldn’t think of a better way to finish.
“It was perfect.”
