According to reports from Sky Sports this morning, Chelsea winger Pedro has dismissed claims that he decided against a move to Manchester United because of manager Louis van Gaal.
The former Barcelona star appeared set to sign for the Red Devils in August as his Nou Camp career drew to a close, with chief executive Ed Woodward flying out to Spain to conclude a deal.
But amid a dispute over the Catalan outfit’s valuation, the 28 year-old ended up joining Premier League champions Chelsea instead three days later.
It’s since been alleged that Pedro rejected a move to Old Trafford because of the way Louis van Gaal has treated Victor Valdes over the summer – the winger’s former Barcelona and Spain team-mate.
In July, the Dutchman made the shock declaration that the 33 year-old goalkeeper would be sold after refusing to represent United’s U21 squad, telling reporters; “he doesn’t follow my philosophy. There is no place for someone like that.”
According to Sky Sports, however, who cite Spanish publication Marca, Pedro has now insisted that it was Chelsea’s decisiveness that convinced him to join the Stamford Bridge ranks instead.
“It’s true that I don’t like that treatment for my colleagues, especially for Victor, who has been a reference as a team-mate and as a professional,” he said.
“I don’t believe it’s fair but it didn’t influence my decision. I just saw that Manchester didn’t take that move forward, that they were taking too long. Chelsea were more decisive.
“I spoke to Victor a lot. He told me that United was very good and there was a great fan following, but that his only problem was the situation with the coach.
“But Victor absolutely did not recommend against signing for United. He spoke very well of the club. It’s a great club but I’m convinced I have made the right choice to join Chelsea.
“I had an important chat with Jose Mourinho and he said many things that I liked to hear. That, combined with the possibility to live in London, was what made me decide,” he added.
Despite their previous bust up, Valdes has been registered in Manchester United’s 25-man Premier League squad after a late summer move to Besiktas fell through.
Meanwhile, Pedro has enjoyed an impressive start to his Premier League career, finding one goal and two assists in his first two league outings for the Blues.