Jose Mourinho runs rule over Chelsea signing Pedro Rodriguez
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho explains why he is excited to sign Pedro Rodriguez from Barcelona
Jose Mourinho says he was impressed with Pedro Rodriguez’s desire to leave Barcelona to join Chelsea.
The defending Premier League champions completed the £21.1m signing of Pedro from Barcelona on Thursday afternoon after Manchester United had previously been linked with the World Cup winner.
He’s played with Messi, Iniesta, all these stars but he wants more. I’m really happy with this attitude
Jose Mourinho
Pedro has won five La Liga titles, four Copa del Rey crowns and the Champions League on three occasions during a decorated eight-year run in the Barcelona first-team before falling out-of-favour last season.
And Mourinho, whose side are yet to register a win in this season’s Premier League, was delighted to land a player of Pedro’s ability and ambition.
“He has something I really like: a desire to leave one of the best clubs in the world,” Mourinho told his pre-match media conference.
“For a player like him, loved in the club, he loves the club, and wants to leave for something more, that’s ambition.
“He’s played with Messi, Iniesta, all these stars but he wants more. I’m really happy with this attitude.
“When I’m told a player wants to leave Barcelona or Real Madrid I always put a question mark. Normally the rumours are untrue. This was true.
Mourinho added that he expects Pedro will enjoy a fresh challenge at the reigning Premier League champions after his long Catalan career.
Mourinho continued: “”It’s a moment for him to enjoy a different challenge, different culture, and leave the comfort zone.”
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Chelsea face West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns in the Premier League on Sunday as the Blues look to make amends of last Sunday’s 3-0 defeat by Manchester City.
