Lazio Veteran Reveals Why He Joined Chelsea Instead of Manchester United, Opens Up on Guardiola & Mourinho

In partnership with

The Laziali

·14 Oktober 2025

Lazio Veteran Reveals Why He Joined Chelsea Instead of Manchester United, Opens Up on Guardiola & Mourinho

Lazio attacker Pedro discussed some of the memorable chapters in his elusive playing career, including his move from Barcelona to Chelsea.

The Background

The 38-year-old has yet to taste silverware since joining the Biancocelesti in the summer of 2021. However, he had already won the biggest honors a footballer could ever dream of during his spells in Catalunya and West London, in addition to the World Cup and a European Championship with Spain, making him one of the most decorated players of his generation.

Video OneFootball

Pedro Recalls His Barcelona Departure

In his interview with Fourfourtwo.com, Pedro revealed how his departure from Barcelona came about after winning his third Champions League.

I spoke a lot with Luis Enrique that season. It was the Barça of the three beasts up front – Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez – and it wasn’t easy to get minutes. The coach was honest, he told me I wasn’t going to play much. Barça meant everything to me and I’d like to have finished my career there, but there are moments in life you have to face with courage, and I decided to embark on another project that also excited me. With the passage of time, I don’t regret the experiences I’ve had abroad.

Why Pedro Moved to Chelsea Rather Than Man Utd

The versatile attacker was supposedly close to joining Manchester United, but a delay in the negotiations allowed Chelsea to pounce for his signature, also thanks to the efforts of his friend and compatriot, Cesc Fabregas.

I don’t know what happened behind the scenes, the deal with United was almost done. They took too long to decide, the season was about to start, and I didn’t want to wait any longer. I even played the UEFA Super Cup with Barça, where I scored the winning goal. There was uncertainty and anxiety. PSG were also interested in me, then Chelsea’s interest came in. Cesc Fabregas acted as an intermediary, Mourinho called me and said they were willing to offer more, so we contacted United to explain the situation, but they didn’t make a clear decision and I chose to go to Chelsea.

Pedro Talks Pep Guardiola & Jose Mourinho

Pedro had the opportunity to play under the guidance of the most famous managers of the current era, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho. But aside from their winning mentality, the winger admits that they have little in common.

Both are winners, but very different coaches. Each has their own ideas, their own way of convincing and motivating their players. I enjoyed learning from Mourinho – he gave me the opportunity to experience the Premier League, the most competitive league there is, and adapting to it was interesting. Despite everything, that first season was tough.