BERNARDO believes joining Albion will help achieve his dream of following in his father’s footsteps by playing for Brazil.

The left-back capture is convinced his prospects of representing his country will increase by performing well for the Seagulls in the high-profile Premier League.

Bernardo’s dad and agent played for Brazil and Bayern Munich in Germany.

The 23-year-old has joined the Seagulls from Red Bull Leipzig, who have finished in the top six in the Bundesliga in successive seasons.

He watched Brazil in the World Cup in Russia prior to their quarter-final exit against Belgium and now aims to enhance his international ambitions at the Amex.

Bernardo, speaking to The Argus at Albion’s pre-season training camp in Austria, said: “For sure it helps.

“I saw that, for example, when I was in Germany playing for Leipzig. It’s a small club but it reached second place in the Bundesliga and I was not even on the radar.

“And I was a player that played many matches. My name was not even being speculated. But Richarlison from Watford, he is playing for a good club but not the top six.

“Everyone is talking Richarlison, Richarlison, so the Premier League brings you to another level, because everyone is watching the Premier League. The staff from the national team. All my friends they wake up and put on the Premier League. In the Premier League you just have to do your thing, because people are watching you.”

Bernardo will make his debut in Saturday’s opening pre-season friendly in Switzerland against St Gallen (2pm).