By Toby Prince
Photo: Ivan Sekretarev/AP
Chelsea have completed the signing of Barcelona forward Pedro in a deal worth £21m million, both clubs have confirmed.
The 28-year-old was given permission to skip Thursday’s training so as to finalise the move, flying into London to undergo a medical after Chelsea had hijacked Manchester United’s bid to sign him at the 11th hour.
“I am very happy to be here,” Pedro told the Blues’ official website. “I am very excited to start my adventure at Chelsea and I am here to keep winning titles.
“Thanks to the club and the supporters for giving me the opportunity to put the blue shirt on.”
A Barcelona statement read: “FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Pedro Rodriguez for 30 million euros, of which 3 million are dependent on performance.
“The club wishes to publicly express its gratitude to Pedro Rodriguez for his professionalism and dedication while with the club, as well as to wish him all the best in the future.”
The Spain international is a product of the Catalan club’s academy and has scored 99 goals in 326 appearances since his debut in 2008.
He made 50 appearances for the European champions last season and has won the Champions League three times, scoring a goal in the 2011 final against United, as well as five La Liga titles.
He also won the World Cup and European Championship with Spain in 2010 and 2012 respectively.
Pedro made three appearances for Barcelona this campaign and came off the bench to score the winner in the 5-4 Uefa Super Cup victory over fellow Spanish side Sevilla.
He joins fellow new boys Radamel Falcao, Asmir Begovic and Abdul Baba Rahman at Chelsea.
Very happy, I’m already Blue! Thank U all and specially @FCBarcelona for make possible to reach this point @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/fgERbDXLcJ
— Pedro Rodríguez (@_Pedro17_) August 20, 2015
