adminLONDON. — English soccer champions Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Pedro from Barcelona. The Spain international had been heavily linked with Manchester United until a late intervention from Chelsea secured his signature. And Pedro says winning trophies with Chelsea is his No.1 priority after completing his switch from Barcelona yesterday afternoon.
The Spanish winger passed a medical with the west London outfit yesterday to become their fourth first-team signing of the summer.
And he says he can’t wait to start work with boss Jose Mourinho.
“I am very happy to be here,” he said.
“I am very excited to start my adventure at Chelsea and I am here to keep winning titles.
“Thanks to the club and the supporters for giving me the opportunity to put the blue shirt on.”
Pedro has won every honour in the domestic and international game following a glittering career with Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
Mourinho will be hoping his pedigree of claiming football’s top honours rubs off on his squad as they bid to improve in Europe following a disappointing Champions League campaign last season.
Chelsea have paid an initial £21,4m with a further £2,1m to follow in add-ons.
Pedro signed a new contract with Barcelona in June but a lack of first team opportunities at the Camp Nou meant his future at the club remained uncertain with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez ahead of him in the pecking order.
Chelsea had held an interest in the Canary Islander earlier in the summer but their interest cooled with Mourinho insisting Pedro could not fit into his squad. United had looked in pole position to complete a deal having tracked him for several weeks and on Monday executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward flew to Spain to try and put the finishing touches on a switch.
However, the Red Devils were unwilling to meet Barcelona’s demands that his release clause be met in full which allowed Chelsea to reignite their interest and make a move.
Owner Roman Abramovich was particularly keen on signing the player and the 3-0 defeat to title rivals Manchester City on Sunday convinced the Blues to make a move.
And it is believed a personal phone-call from Mourinho as well as talks with Cesc Fabregas persuaded Pedro to snub United in favour of a move to Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona announced that Chelsea would pay £19,3m up front with the remaining £2,1m coming in performance-related add-ons.
A Barcelona statement read: “The club wishes to publicly express its gratitude to Pedro Rodriguez for his professionalism and dedication while with the club, as well as to wish him all the best in the future.” Pedro made his debut for Barcelona in 2008 and went on to win five La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues and three Copa del Reys.
In total he made 326 appearances for the Catalan giants, scoring 99 goals, the last of which was an extra-time winner as they beat Sevilla 5-4 to win the UEFA Super Cup last week. — AFP.
Online Reporter