Chelsea’s new signing, Pedro Rodriguez kicked off his premier league career on a promising not when he scored a goal and assisted another in his debut game for the Blues against West Bromich Albion. The 28-year-old winger also revealed that his joining Chelsea was a risk he took because he needed to play more and not because of financial gains.
“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 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.”
The Spanish international has now bid farewell to his former teammates. He put up the above photo of he and his former teammates with the caption: “Thank you for all lived and learned in this house. Good luck and continue the run of success / Thank you for all what I lived and Learnt in this club.Good luck and keep on the spell of success.”
Speaking at a press conference in Barcelona, he said:
“At the start it felt strange to wear the Chelsea shirt, because I had never imagined I would leave Barca,” Pedro said.
“I’m going with my head held high. I have always given my best, in every game and every training session. But I’m happy with what I have achieved and everything I have learned from my team-mates.
“I don’t think the team will miss me as there are great players here. I will miss them though, that’s the sad part.”
He also revealed that the Barcelona board wanted him to stay and he thanked them for that while revealing it will be a strange feeling to face his former team in the future.
“The board and the staff at Barcelona insisted that I stay, and for that I thank them.”
“I prefer not to return to the Camp Nou wearing another shirt. It would be strange. But if that’s what destiny holds…”
