Babalola Oluwatomiwa
Social Member
Chelsea new signing, Pedro Rodriguez has revealed that he would have stayed back at the Camp Nou but for lack of enough playing time.
The 27-year forward joined the Blues last week and scored in his debut against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, before flying back to Barcelona to bid his teammates goodbye.
The Spanish winger fell down the pecking order at the club after the arrival of Luis Suarez and Neymar.
"It was not about money. It was the need to play consistently," he told assembled reporters at his farewell press conference in Barcelona.
"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 [Blues coach] 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."
Pedro made an immediate impact on his debut with the English champions, scoring a goal and assisting another as his new team overcame West Brom 3-2 on Sunday.
The 27-year forward joined the Blues last week and scored in his debut against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, before flying back to Barcelona to bid his teammates goodbye.
The Spanish winger fell down the pecking order at the club after the arrival of Luis Suarez and Neymar.
"It was not about money. It was the need to play consistently," he told assembled reporters at his farewell press conference in Barcelona.
"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 [Blues coach] 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."
Pedro made an immediate impact on his debut with the English champions, scoring a goal and assisting another as his new team overcame West Brom 3-2 on Sunday.