Chelsea announces signing of Spanish winger Pedro Rodriguez from FC Barcelona
Chelsea announced on Thursday the signing of Spanish winger Pedro Rodriguez from FC Barcelona, one of the most decorated players from the Catalan club. The team, coached by Jose Mourinho, paid 30 million euros for the 28-year-old international player, with three million euros contingent on his performance, according to figures released by Barcelona.
Pedro, who had been linked in recent weeks with Manchester City, Manchester United, and Paris Saint Germain, desired more playing time in a season that will end with the European Championships, as Luis Enrique always preferred to field Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Luis Suarez.
The player from Tenerife, who developed in Barcelona's youth categories and made the leap to the first team in 2008 under Pep Guardiola, has three Champions League titles, 5 league titles, a World Cup, and a European Championship in his career.
Pedro's last goal as a Barcelona player was the winner in the last UEFA Super Cup, where Barcelona defeated Sevilla 5-4 in extra time. "I am very pleased to be here. I am glad to start my adventure at Chelsea, I am here to continue winning titles," said Pedro, according to the Chelsea statement.
Pedro was the first player to score at least one goal in the six competitions that a European team can play in one year: league, cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Spanish Super Cup, and Club World Cup. His arrival at Chelsea can help them overcome the slump they are going through, with a loss and a draw in the two matches they have played this season, the reigning Premier League champions.
THE FACT: Pedro Rodriguez spent eight seasons at Barcelona.
Pedro Rodriguez trained for the first time with Chelsea.
Happy, I'm now a blue player! Thanks to everyone and especially to FC Barcelona for allowing me to come here ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/ceKVRRSvrx
— Pedro Rodriguez (@_Pedro17_) August 20, 2015
Pedro Rodriguez bid farewell to Barcelona.
Welcome to Chelsea, _Pedro17_! #CFC pic.twitter.com/UGc6yYBQsx
— Chelsea FC (ChelseaFC) August 20, 2015
Chelsea officially announced the signing of Pedro Rodriguez.
Pedro Rodriguez will play for Chelsea.