Football
ESPN staff 9y

Pedro: Chelsea moved quicker and gave me a chance to play

Pedro has insisted that he left Barcelona for Chelsea because he wanted to play regularly for the first-team and the Premier League champions moved quickest to secure his signature.

Pedro, 28, moved to Stamford Bridge for €30 million last week, having grown tired of life on the Camp Nou bench behind Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

The Spain winger had reported offers from Manchester United and City, but chose Chelsea to continue his career.

"Other clubs in England were interested and that is gratifying," he told a news conference in Barcelona. "Chelsea was the quickest solution to my issue and was the most interested in me. That is why I decided and I have no regrets. They have great players and they can win titles.

"[Jose] Mourino didn't talk to me about the past [in the recruitment process]. He asked me what my situation was. I told him it was complicated and he made the process very smooth."

Barcelona would have been happy to keep Pedro, but the player admitted that his mind was made up when he could not be guaranteed a regular place in the side.

"The most comfortable thing for me would have been to stay here, win titles and be part of the team photo," he said.

"It wasn't 100 percent like that. I renewed my contract with the idea of staying; that was what we all wanted. I know that I could stay here and I would be fine, at the best club in the world, but I also knew that I had an option of leaving.

"I spoke with the president and the coaching staff and then a club that I like made an offer. I would have liked to retire here but I knew that was complicated. Now I am happy to face new challenges with a new experience in another league with different teammates."

"It was the continuity. It wasn't a matter of money and I told the club so. What I wanted to do was play and be a factor and that wasn't going to happen here.

"I am sad to be leaving this club but happy because I gave everything I had. Thanks for making me feel as though I mattered at this great club."

Pedro scored on his debut as Chelsea beat West Brom 3-2 at The Hawthorns on Sunday and the midfielder insisted he was happy to play in England.

"The atmosphere in the Premier is great with the stadiums always at capacity and the fans very involved," he added. "It is a fast game with the back and forth that we forwards like. Because of that I decided to go there. The English game is very attractive for the fans.

"I've had an incredible reception at Chelsea. John Terry is an exemplary captain, who has treated me very well since I arrived.

"I just hope I don't have to face Barca or step out at the Nou Camp wearing another jersey. It would be difficult, I wouldn't like it.''

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