New Chelsea acquisition Pedro has said it was a risk to join the Blues this summer.
The out-of-favour Barcelona forward completed his move to Stamford Bridge last week Thursday, and quickly made an impact over during the weekend, helping Jose’s side to win their first game of the season a West Brom on Sunday.
During a farewell conference in Barcelona he quashed claims that he moved to England bcause money. He expalined the need to compete with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez for a starting spot at Barcelona that drove him to leave the Catalans.
It was not about money. It was the need to play consistently.
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.
I was very flattered by the interest from some of England’s biggest clubs like Manchester United, City and Chelsea, but Chelsea’s offer convinced me most. I talked with [Blues coach] Jose Mourinho, it’s true he called me. I liked what he said. He convinced me.
The atmosphere in the Premier League is fantastic, the stadiums are always full and it’s an attractive league for spectators.
Pedro The La Masia graduate won the treble last season and extended his contract at the club in June till 2019, but regularly had to settle for a spot on the bench as the Blaugrana’s famed attacking triumvirate took centre-stage.
