The 18-year-old, who hails from Berwick, received his first international call-up for Brazil Under-20s last week after being eligible to represent the country through his Brazilian father, Thiago.

With the Seleção's youngsters set for two friendly fixtures against Peru during the international break, Ferreira's introduction to international football provided a unforeseen challenge in what would be a late arrival to Brazil's Bélem-based training camp.

After completing a gruelling 12-hour flight from London to São Paulo, Ferreira's connecting flight to Northern Brazil was delayed by four hours, leaving the promising teenager with little time to adapt to his South American surroundings.

"I had to start training as soon as I got there but I think it's shown how far I have come as a player because I wasn't too nervous or anxious," he told newcastleunited.com.

"I am doing the thing I love the most, playing football, and it was nice to get on the pitch and train with the squad. It's been busy!

"The culture is completely different here but I really like it. We're having to train in the evening as it is usually over 30 degrees during the day. Since the first training session, I've felt very welcome by the lads and the coaches as well."

For Ferreira, adjusting to a new environment has extended beyond the football pitch. Although he understands Portuguese, Brazil's native tongue, communicating has proved one of the biggest challenges during his international experience despite being offered support from bilingual squad member Robinho Júnior, son of former Real Madrid and Brazil star Robinho.

Born to a Brazilian father and Italian mother Camila, Ferreira grew up in a household where multiple languages were spoken but the connection to his Brazilian heritage remained. Now living independently, he has been working hard to improve his fluency.

Ferreira, who joined Newcastle's Academy in 2020 after playing for Berwick Juniors and Cramlington Juniors, added: "The only thing I was nervous about when joining up with the squad was speaking but I'm getting better each day.

"I understand Portuguese, even though it's not my first language, but I've been putting in a lot of effort and learning the language.

"I understand more than speaking it but the lads here have been really helpful, correcting me if needs be."

It has been Ferreira's feet, however, which have been providing the talking for him on the pitch and the significance of the achievement is not lost on the versatile youngster, who recognises the call-up as a reward for his consistency and professionalism orchestrated throughout his development at United's youth set-up.

A senior debutant for his boyhood club in July's pre-season friendly against Gateshead, Ferreira recalled a moment following a Premier League Cup fixture for United's Under-21s side in which he discovered the memorable news.

"I checked my phone after the Peterborough game in the dressing room and saw online that I'd been called up," he said. "My first reaction was just pure joy. I was so happy.

"My parents wanted to tell me first before I checked my phone but it was still a great moment to share with them, who were both very emotional.

"I think it's a reward for how I've been playing but also how I've managed to conduct myself off the pitch with my recovery, willingness to learn and reflecting on how I can improve on the matches I've played in.

"It's an amazing achievement but I don't want this to be the last. I will keep pushing on and try to get that next call-up or progress into the first-team. Once I reach one level, it's about getting to the next one. It doesn't stop there.

"We've got the South American (Youth Football) Championship in January and the Under-20 World Cup is next year so I'm pushing really hard to try and get into both squads.

"I'm doing everything I can to try and make my international debut. It would mean a lot. I haven't got this big pressure of needing to do well - I just want to get on that pitch, show what I can do and do what I love the most."

Ferreira's connection to Brazilian football stretches back to his childhood when his father would show him video clips of some of his country's most iconic players.

"My first memory of Brazilian football would be my dad showing videos of Ronaldinho, R9 and Neymar," he added. "The first game I watched live was at Wembley between England and Brazil and Neymar played. I think it finished goalless though!

"The interest they showed me and the project they have was a big reason [to accept the call-up]. Brazil is a big country so to be recognised by them is amazing. It's a big opportunity and an honour to represent them."

Those early memories helped to shape Ferreira's admiration of the national team but the realisation of fulfilling a lifelong dream has now become a clearer vision, especially in recent years.

"Ever since I was a boy, I've always been open to play for any country," Ferreira admitted. "My household is a mixture of speaking English and Portuguese but, now, there's a bit more Portuguese as I need to learn it!

"It's been good but also hard learning the language. I live in England so I don't hear Portuguese everyday. I live away from my family but it's been great to educate myself on the culture but I've always been open. I think it was around the age of 15 and 17 when I believed I had a chance [of representing Brazil]."

After dedicating large parts of the previous summer towards "hitting the ground running for pre-season", Ferreira was handed a first taste of first-team action following his appearances for the Magpies in friendly fixtures away at Gateshead and Bristol City.

Ferreira, who signed his first professional contract with the Magpies on his 17th birthday, has established a regular spot in United's Under-21s squad this term and endorsed the demands of a varied role within Robbie Stockdale's side.

"The biggest moment in pre-season was playing away at Bristol City," Ferreira said. "Even though the result wasn't great, to see 3,000 away fans showed how much the football club means to its supporters.

"I've really enjoyed the start to this season. The coaches trust me as I've been playing in different positions for the Under-21s; wing-back, as a winger or a number ten. I think they know what I can provide for the team.

"I think its shows the qualities I have. Playing as a right wing-back shows I can defend, put my body on the line and then it's about showing my strengths going forward. I've embraced the challenges of switching positions, thinking about the tactical side of the game."

For all the individual dedication, though, Ferreira is quick to acknowledge those who have helped him along the way.

"The credit goes to my parents," he said. "My dad experienced futsal when he was younger in Brazil and Italy and I couldn't ask for any better parents.

"They've helped me get to where I am today as well as the team around me throughout my time at the Academy. They've been so supportive in my journey."

Ferreira is on the verge of making history, with the youngster bidding to become the first player developed at Newcastle's youth set-up to represent Brazil at international level.

While his maiden call-up will be a moment to forever cherish, the internal hope will be, as Pelé's quote highlights at the Magpies' Little Benton Academy, that plenty more hard work, perseverance, learning, studying and sacrifice is still to come.