Pedro Rodriguez has admitted that Jose Mourinho and Cesc Fabregas both played a key role in his decision to swap Barcelona for Chelsea.
The winger completed his €30m move to Stamford Bridge on Thursday and wasted no time in speaking of his desire to begin playing under his long-term rival and reacquaint himself with the midfielder, whom he played alongside in Catalonia between 2011 and 2014.
“It's absolutely great here. I am really impressed with the facilities,” he told the Blues' official website.
“All my new team-mates have been really nice and I can't wait to start playing games here. I am so happy.
“[Training] was very intense, very physical. I am ready to start playing straight away if the manager selects me. I am in very good shape because I have already played for Barcelona this season.
“[Mourinho] is one of the main reasons why I'm here. He phoned me a few times and said he needed me to make the team stronger.
“He has won titles wherever he has been. I am really looking forward to playing under him and hopefully winning more titles.
“[The Chelsea games] were hard matches for [Barca]. They were all interesting games but I have good memories from them.
“The fans never stopped. They always got behind the team. It was an incredible feeling and I want to have that experience as a Chelsea player now.
“I spoke to Cesc [Fabregas before coming here]. We are very good friends. I knew I would feel at home here and that was one of the main reasons why I decided to join.
“He's a great player, he's got brilliant vision and he links up really well with the other attacking players. I know we work well together on the pitch so I can't wait to play with him again.
“I have also played with Diego Costa and Cesar Azpilicueta before, for the national team, so I feel very comfortable here.
“I am very fast. I do everything possible to win. I have helped Barcelona win titles and I want to do exactly the same thing at Chelsea, because ultimately we are all here to win things.
“Wherever I'm needed. Sometimes I play on the right, sometimes on the left, but wherever I play I will give my best.
“I have watched many Premier League games and they look very different to the Spanish game, particularly much faster.
“I really want to enjoy being here and playing in this league. It's a new challenge and I can't wait to get going.”
Image courtesy chelseafc.com
