Winger Pedro says Chelsea's persistent interest was the reason why he opted to leave Barcelona to make a move to Stamford Bridge.
The Spain international confirmed that Manchester City and Manchester United wanted to secure his services.
He made his debut for the Blues on Sunday away against West Bromwich Albion where he scored the first goal of the game.
"I had offers from other English clubs - Manchester United, City and Chelsea, who were the club that more rapidly resolved my transfer and the one that showed more interest in me," he is quoted as saying by the Telegraph.
"I'm very happy to be at Chelsea because it's a club that, like Barca, are fighting for titles.
"But I haven't gone to Chelsea just to work under [manager Jose] Mourinho, but also because London attracts me as a city and I have friends at Chelsea. I've had an incredible reception at Chelsea.
"I don't think Barca will miss me because they have plenty of quality players, but I will sure miss them, the players and the club. Of course I would have liked to have stayed at Barca and retire here.
"But I've taken a gamble because it's what I wanted. I wasn't going to stay here just to appear on the photo."
