Joao Pedro breaks silence after choosing Chelsea ahead of Newcastle United
Joao Pedro has suggested that he felt that Chelsea had a better chance of "winning trophies" after turning down Newcastle United for a switch to Stamford Bridge.
His move cost Chelsea a fixed fee of £55million plus add ons to come later with the Brazil international excited about his future. The star has signed a deal until 2033 with the Blues and joins up with Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA ahead of their quarter-final clash with Palmeiras.
After Newcastle watched on as their approach was rejected by Pedro, he said: "I grew up watching the Premier League, and Chelsea were a club that won trophies. So, when you join Chelsea, you can only think one thing: to win trophies.
"Every competition, you have to think, 'I play for Chelsea and that is my ambition.
"Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history. They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now. So I am excited to join and you know when you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing — win."
The forward also revealed he chatted with ex-Brazil and Chelsea star David Luiz, he said: "I'm close a little bit to David Luiz. I spoke to him, not about Chelsea, but about my career and how I could develop better. He helped me."
A Chelsea statement read: "The 23-year-old forward has penned a long-term deal with the Blues that runs through to 2033, and joins the squad immediately ahead of our FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras."
Meanwhile, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has explained the move. "This is a good move for all parties. It’s an excellent deal for the club, and a good return on a significant investment in an area of the pitch where we have a lot of competition and are already well served in terms of our attacking talent.
"It’s also an exciting move for Joao: it gives him the opportunity to play Champions League football this coming season, and he will of course be keen to cement his position in the Brazil team ahead of the World Cup next summer.
"Joao has given us some wonderful moments – during my time and before I came to the club – so on behalf of everyone I would like to thank him for his service over the past two seasons and wish him the best for the future."
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