Barcelona Transfer News: Pedro Talks Manchester United, City After Chelsea Move

New Chelsea signing Pedro has revealed there was genuine interest from Manchester United and Manchester City before he agreed to join the Blues from Barcelona.  

The former Blaugrana man was speaking on Monday at a “Gracies Pedro” press conference held by his previous employers. He claimed despite the strong interest from elsewhere and a temptation to stay at the Camp Nou, the Blues did the most to convince him to join, per AS English:

Pedro has immediately proven his worth to the Blues with a goal and an assist on his debut against West Bromwich Albion. The winger was superb for Chelsea, helping them secure a 3-2 win and playing with the kind of passion that has long endeared him to the Barcelona faithful.

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The 28-year-old admitted he leaves Catalonia feeling content and proud of his achievements in the iconic jersey, although he did hint at a tinge of sadness about departing a team he has represented for so long:

Indeed, during his time with the Blaugrana, Pedro won a staggering five league titles, three Copa del Rey trophies and another three European Cups. In many respects, he’s a player who’s been emblematic of what Barcelona is all about, thriving in the club's revered La Masia academy before bursting on to the first-team scene.

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So perhaps it was no surprise the winger couldn’t pick out one particular standout moment from his spell as a Barcelona player and why he’s not too keen on coming up against them in a competitive game any time soon:

Although it would have been galling for Pedro to leave Barca, he’ll be aware he’s made the best decision for the sake of his career. Getting game time would have been tough ahead of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez or Neymar, and in the peak years of his career, a player as talented as he is should be playing every week.

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Even so, the manner in which he’s represented Barcelona—with spades of both passion and panache—means he’ll depart held in exceptional regard. That was evident by the reception he received at the end of the press conference, per Alfredo Martinez of Onda Cero Radio:

It’s Pedro’s humble persona mixed with his on-field tenacity that’ll make him a perfect player for Chelsea. Manager Jose Mourinho has a specific blueprint for a player, and even in the early stages of his debut, we were witness to the kind of extra dimension the Spanish international will provide this team.

New Blues team-mate and compatriot Cesar Azpilicueta suggested he’s only likely to get better in the aftermath of his virtuoso debut, too, per Dave Armitage of the Daily Star:

"

He will get even better. He has only trained one week before playing his first game. He is still discovering the Premier League and I'm sure he will get better.

I know him very well and know he will fit into the team very well. I know his ambition. He is hungry to help the team, win trophies and the way he started the first game is amazing.

I know from the national team that he is a top player. He played for Barcelona for so many years and he will fit into our team and the Premier League.

"

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The calibre of clubs interested in Pedro emphatically backs up Azpilicueta’s effusive assessment. Both Manchester sides were probably watching on with a tinge of regret as the winger tore into the Baggies, and there’s little doubt he will be a key player in the title race.

After being shunted out of the team by Suarez last season, there was plenty of revisionism of the winger’s ability, with plenty lambasting the deterioration of a once effervescent player.

But at the start of a brand-new challenge, playing for an excellent team and under a steely manager, expect Pedro, a modest but unshakeably determined character, to show Barca, United and City exactly what they’re missing.