I joined Chelsea to win titles - Pedro
Chelsea new boy Pedro has vowed to add to his medal haul after sealing a £21million move from Barcelona.
|||Chelsea new boy Pedro has vowed to add to his medal haul after sealing a £21million move from Barcelona.
The Spain international trained with his new team-mates yesterday after concluding a four-year deal which includes a significant increase on the £60 000-a-week deal he was on at the Nou Camp.
The 28-year-old has won 20 major trophies during an illustrious career in Catalonia, including three Champions League, five La Liga and two Fifa World Club Cup medals.
Pedro also helped Spain to their World Cup triumph in 2010 and the European Championship success in 2012 but he insists he expects to extend his collection at Stamford Bridge.
‘I am very happy to be here. I am very excited to start my adventure at Chelsea and I am here to keep winning titles,’ he said.
Pedro nailed his colours to the Chelsea mast by changing his Twitter photo to a banner reading ‘Pride of London’ after becoming Jose Mourinho’s fourth signing of the summer in the wake of Asmir Begovic, Radamel Falcao and Abdul Baba Rahman.
Manchester United looked to have sealed a deal for the Spaniard after executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward travelled to Barcelona to tie up a deal. But Sportsmail understands Pedro was underwhelmed with United’s advances and his camp were unaware of Woodward’s trip.
Mourinho also stole a march on United with a personal phone call to the winger.
Pedro has also said he will never forget his first match at Stamford Bridge in 2009 when John Terry’s sportsmanship left a lasting impression.
Pedro was a substitute as Barca knocked out Chelsea in a Champions League semi-final in controversial circumstances — referee Tom Henning Ovrebo failing to give the home side three clear penalties.
But Terry stunned Barcelona by going to their dressing room after the match. ‘He shook everyone’s hand and congratulated us,’ Pedro said. ‘It surprised us. They are the moments when it is hurting the most. It showed a lot of courage.’
Pedro’s arrival means Juan Cuadrado is set to leave Chelsea eight months after joining from Fiorentina. Juventus are showing interest in the Colombian.
Chelsea will now focus on landing Everton defender John Stones before the transfer window closes.
Everton have already rejected three offers — the latest for £30m. – Daily Mail