Joao Pedro confirms bizarre reason behind Chelsea transfer

Former Brighton attacker Joao Pedro has confirmed that he joined Chelsea over Newcastle this summer because he ‘missed London.’

The Brazil international has enjoyed a brilliant start to life at Stamford Bridge following his €63.7 million move from Brighton earlier this summer. Pedro scored three times as Chelsea won the Club World Cup and has already netted twice in the Premier League this season.

The 23-year-old’s departure from Brighton did not come as a surprise as he had handed in a transfer request to pursue a move to a bigger club. At the time, his then-teammate Igor Julio revealed that Pedro would prioritise a move to a London-based side over other suitors.

This is exactly what ultimately happened, with the forward becoming one of the many players to reject Newcastle this summer to join a different club instead. The former Watford star has now revealed that his desire to return to London was indeed a crucial factor in his decision to move to Chelsea.

Speaking to the Evening Standard ahead of the international break, Pedro confirmed: “When I was in Brighton, I was missing London a little bit. I had a chance to move to another club, but I chose Chelsea because it’s in London, it’s a big club, and I knew in my head it was the right move.”

Pedro believes Blues can win the Premier League

Pedro was asked about all kinds of different topics, including whether he believed that Chelsea could challenge for the biggest honours this season. He responded in the affirmative.

“It’s too early to say whether we’re going to win [the Premier League] or not,” he said. “But if you watch us, you’ll say we have a good chance. I agree.”

Pedro is also aiming for personal accolades. “Big clubs from England have brought the top strikers from Europe this summer. It will be interesting to compete with them for the Golden Boot.

“It would be a dream one day to win the Ballon d’Or,” the Brazilian added. “I believe in myself. Everything is possible. Maybe it can happen.”

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