It was nearly a deal done, as Spanish winger Pedro Rodriguez was all set to join Premier League giants Manchester United this summer, until Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side beat their league rivals to sign the Barcelona star. The 28-year-old attacker put in a “Man of the Match” debut performance, scoring a goal and claiming an assist as well in the Blues’s 3-2 win over West Brom.
The £21m signing spoke exclusively to Spanish newspaper Marca and revealed the reason for his choice, dismissing speculations suggesting that former team-mate Victor Valdes asked him to snub the Red Devils for a move to Stamford Bridge.
He stated, “No. It’s true that I don’t like that treatment for my colleagues, especially for Victor, who has been a reference as a teammate and as a professional.”
“I don’t believe it’s fair but it didn’t influence my decision.”
“I just saw that things weren’t progressing with Manchester United, that they were taking too long and I needed to get started with a team. Chelsea were more decisive.”
However, Pedro did admit that he spoke to his compatriot at length about Manchester United, “Yes, a lot. He told me that the club [United] was very good and there was a great fan following, that his only problem was the situation with the coach.”
When asked if Valdes asked him not to sign due to Louis van Gaal, Pedro answered: “Absolutely not. He spoke very well of the club. It’s a great club but I believe I have chosen well to join Chelsea, I’m convinced.”
“I had an important chat with [Chelsea coach Jose] Mourinho, who told me that he wanted me, that with me they would have a better team and he said many things that I liked to hear.”
“That combined with the possibility to live in London was what made me decide.”
Pedro signed a four year deal with the west London club and spoke of his happiness in joining them. He added, “From the first moment, the treatment received has been really good from everyone. That has helped me to adapt really fast and well.”
“I believe I have made the right choice to join Chelsea, I’m convinced. I have adapted very well. It was tough to leave [Barca]. It was a strange feeling as I had been many years at the club.”
Further, he hailed new boss Jose Mourinho, who treats him “like one of the family”.
He further stated, “When you are face to face, although there are people that might think otherwise, Mourinho changes a lot. He treats you like one of the family.”
“He likes, he values and respects his players a lot. He is also demanding. When he loses, we all know he has a lot of character, a big winning mentality.”
“His criticism is only to reinforce and improve what we do wrong and we don’t have to interpret it as something negative. Since my arrival I have felt comfortable alongside him.”
“I understand that Barca fans might feel upset but what I want is to play at Chelsea and for the team to do well.”
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