Having returned to FC Barcelona for an official farewell, Pedro Rodriguez revealed that he rejected Manchester United as well as Manchester City offers to sign for Chelsea FC.
Chelsea FC secured the signature of FC Barcelona winger Pedro Rodriguez earlier this week. It was reported by the Telegraph that Manchester United was keen on signing the Spanish winger, but the club failed to agree on a fee with FC Barcelona, allowing Chelsea FC to swoop in.
Pedro became the fourth Spanish player in the Chelsea FC squad as the Spaniards continued to swap Spain for England and turned in a lively performance against West Brom in a narrow 3-2 win, creating a goal and scoring one.
Pedro reveals City, United interest.
Chelsea FC signed the Spaniard in a 21.5m GBP deal from FC Barcelona after a stuttering start to the new season, having collected just a solitary point from their opening two games. While it was reported that Manchester United were interested in signing Pedro, the Spaniard also confirmed that an offer from Manchester City was on the table before he chose to join Chelsea FC because of the familiar faces in their line up and the attraction that the city of London holds for him.
He was quoted as saying to the assembled reporters at his farewell press conference in Barcelona by the Telegraph:
“I had offers from other English clubs – Manchester United, City and Chelsea, who were the club that more rapidly resolved my transfer and the one that showed more interest in me.
“I’m very happy to be at Chelsea because it’s a club that, like Barca, are fighting for titles. But I haven’t gone to Chelsea just to work under (manager Jose) Mourinho, but also because London attracts me as a city and I have friends at Chelsea. I’ve had an incredible reception at Chelsea.”
Playing time the reason for Pedro’s exit
Pedro said that he chose to move on from FC Barcelona despite singing a new contract in the summer, amidst doubts about his playing time at Camp Nou following the arrival of Arda Turan.
He was quoted by Goal.com as saying: “It was not about money. It was the need to play consistently,” he told assembled reporters at his farewell press conference in Barcelona.
“I’m sad in a way, to be leaving. There was an option to stay, that’s what the club wanted. I discussed it with everyone but the Chelsea offer attracted me.
“The easiest thing would have been to stay, it’s a difficult decision. I am taking a risk but I am decided.
“Barcelona is the best club in the world, there’s no other place like this. But I’ve joined a club I like and where I will play more. Last season was one of my worst, because there was a lot of competition and I didn’t have enough playing time.
“I’m ambitious and I knew it would be difficult to have a lot playing time here. I’m happy to have this new challenge.”
Also Read: . Pedro Thanks FC Barcelona In An Emotional Farewell (Video)