Chelsea made a shock by signing former Barcelona winger Pedro for £21.4m this week after he had been widely expected to sign with Manchester United.
Blues manager Jose Mourinho was desperate to land Pedro, and he revealed the exact reason why he had to beat out Man United.
“He comes to play and win, and not to have a holiday. This is a moment to leave his comfort zone for a new challenge, a new club in a new country,” Mourinho said, according to the Daily Express.
“I only want to beat United on the pitch. Our job here is not to try to get a player that another club wants. Our job is to get the players we think are good for us.”
SEE MORE:
Premier League predictions: Arsenal outclass Liverpool, Chelsea lose at West Brom, Man Utd find 4th gear
Jordan Henderson injury: Liverpool skipper latest ahead of vital Arsenal clash
6 signings who looked miserable in unveiling photos: Otamendi emulates sad Arsenal & Man U departees
Losing out on Pedro will be a relatively major blow to Man United, who were hoping to upgrade their scoring attack, which has been weighed down by a slow start by striker Wayne Rooney.
This signing may be exactly the spark Chelsea needs to cure their Premier League title hangover, which reached unfortunate heights in a 3-0 loss to Manchester City.
Chelsea were given the green light to spend more freely after this loss, and they are expected to continue their more aggressive approach.
The Blues have also been linked to signing Everton defender John Stones and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.
SEE ALSO:
Pedro jersey number at Chelsea – Spanish signing to take legendary shirt at Stamford Bridge
Wilshere injury – Arsenal star’s fitness update is bad news for Chelsea & Man United
Man United v Newcastle – Preview: De Gea still out, transfer fail keeps Rooney in, red card likely
COMMENTS