PEDRO HAS ADMITTED that he does not like the way Manchester United have treated his compatriot and former Barcelona teammate Victor Valdés.
In an interview with Marca, the Chelsea forward denied his decision to pick Chelsea over United had anything to do with not wanting to work with Louis van Gaal but admitted he disapproved of the way the Old Trafford club has treated his friend.
“No. It’s true that I don’t like to see my team-mates treated in this way, especially Victor who has always been a great friend to me and a top professional.”
Valdés has found himself out in the cold at United, reportedly due to refusing to play in a reserve match last year, and has been stripped of a squad number and forced to train on his own.
“I don’t think it’s fair, but it didn’t influence my decision,” Pedro said. “I saw that United had not taken the next step (in signing me) and I needed a team to start the season with. Chelsea were very decisive. I am convinced I have chosen well.”
There had been speculation that United’s Spanish players, such as Valdés and possibly David De Gea, had warned the 28-year-old off playing under van Gaal. Pedro, however, says that Valdés only had good things to say about the club.
“I spoke a lot with Victor,” he said. “He said it was a very good club with great fans and that the only problem he had was the situation with his coach.”
Pressure has been heaped on José Mourinho’s Chelsea side after a poor start to the season but Pedro’s form has been one positive. He’s scored once and chipped in with two assists in his opening two games.
He will be hoping to add to that tally and help Chelsea get back on track when they return from the international break.