Spain forward Pedro signs for Chelsea from Barcelona

20 August 2015 - 16:42 By REUTERS

Spain forward Pedro has agreed to join English Premier League champions Chelsea from Barcelona, the clubs said on Thursday. Chelsea will pay 30 million euros ($33.54 million) for the player, three of which will be based on performance, the Spanish champions said on their website (www.fcbarcelona.es).Welcome to Chelsea, @_Pedro17_! #CFCpic.twitter.com/UGc6yYBQsx— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 20, 2015 Very happy, I’m already Blue! Thank U all and specially @FCBarcelona for make possible to reach this point @ChelseaFCpic.twitter.com/fgERbDXLcJ— Pedro Rodríguez (@_Pedro17_) August 20, 2015junkThe length of the contract was not revealed."I am very happy to be here. I am very excited to start my adventure at Chelsea and I am here to keep winning titles," Pedro told the club website (www.chelseafc.com)."Thanks to the club and the supporters for giving me the opportunity to put the blue shirt on."A product of the Catalan club's youth academy, Tenerife-born Pedro made his debut for the Spanish and European champions in a La Liga match against Real Murcia in 2008.[ÚLTIMA HORA] Acuerdo para el traspaso de Pedro al Chelsea FC #FCBlivehttp://t.co/GyVQNslD7b#GraciesPedropic.twitter.com/xciHXrH0mx— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) August 20, 2015junkThe pacy 28-year-old cemented his place in the first team under coach Pep Guardiola and in 2009 became the first player to score in six different competitions in a calendar year as Barca swept the Champions League, Spanish league and Cup, Spanish and European Super Cup and Club World Cup titles.Known as "Pedrito" for his diminutive size, he made his first appearance for Spain in a warm-up game for the 2010 World Cup against Saudi Arabia and went on to help La Roja claim their debut global crown in South Africa.He was also part of the successful Spain squad at Euro 2012 as Spain secured a second consecutive continental crown.Pedro no longer commanded a regular place in the Barca starting lineup following the arrival of Uruguay striker Luis Suarez last year.Coach Luis Enrique used him mainly as a substitute in 2014-15 and he came on in the Champions League final to set up Neymar to score the third goal in a 3-1 victory over Juventus.At Chelsea, he will join up with Spain colleagues Diego Costa and Cesar Azpilicueta, as well as Cesc Fabregas, with whom he played at Barca between 2011 and 2014...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.