Jose Mourinho speaks about why he thought Pedro would stay at Barcelona

Jose Mourinho talks about his new star Pedro Rodriguez

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho praises his newly signed player Pedro Rodriguez, and has deemed him as “one of the best attacking players in the world”, according to The Guardian. Pedro made a shocking move to Stamford Bridge earlier this week, after the Spaniard seemed an imminent signing for Manchester United.

Pedro has already started his training with Chelsea, and rumour has it that the £21.4 million Spaniard might make his first appearance in the match against West Bromwich Albion this weekend. The 28-year old has won 15 major trophies with his childhood Barcelona, but his decision to start fresh indicates his passion towards the sport according to Mourinho.

“We have got one of the best attacking players in the world, a player with lots of experience and with something that I really like very, very much: the desire to leave a giant club, one of the best clubs in the world, a club that normally when you are there, you don’t want to leave,” said the Portuguese.

“For a player like him, loved at that club and who loves the club, to want to leave because he is looking for something more for his career... that is an evident sign of ambition.

“He wants to play every game. He’s won everything playing with Messi, Iniesta, all these stars. But he wants more, and I’m really happy with that kind of attitude. He comes to play and try and win, and try to enjoy, and not to have a holiday.”

Mourinho was convinced to buy Pedro after seeing his commitment towards the team even when he knew he was on his way out.

“When I saw Pedro playing in the European Super Cup or in the Spanish Super Cup like it’s the last game of his career, I always thought that, with that commitment and attitude, he would stay in Barcelona for sure,” said Mourinho

“So when we knew he was that kind of professional who gives everything, but in his mind he clearly wants to leave, then it’s an opportunity that the window creates for you. And we, as a club, decided not to lose out. We tried to get him and then, obviously, we are happy that the player chose us.”

Pedro’s move to Chelsea will be a huge boost for the champions to retain their title, but his move also ended up saving his childhood club from bankruptcy.

Chelsea though have not yet closed their chequebook, they seem keen on signing Everton centre-back John Stones before deadline day.