Pedro joins Chelsea: Unfortunately for Manchester United, winger didn't want to live in up north and 'preferred London'

Numerous reasons have been given for Pedro's decision

Pedro in action for Barcelona last night (GETTY IMAGES)

Chelsea announced the signing of Pedro on Thursday afternoon, with the former Barcelona winger in line to play against West Bromwich Albion at the weekend.

Numerous reasons have been given for Manchester United's failure to seal the deal with the 28-year-old - Louis van Gaal has been blamed for dithering and for his autocratic leadership and Ed Woodward for trying to negotiate a cheaper fee.

Jose Mourinho, Cesc Fabregas and his wife, Daniella Semaan are also said to have had a hand in convincing Pedro with various phonecalls this week.

But it's a familiar, and depressing, reason that has again reared it's head in the Spanish media: the prospect of living in Manchester.

The British people may consider Manchester the UK's second city, according to a recent YouGuv poll, but those outside of the country have long believed that it's London on nowhere.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the curse has struck United again, with the paper reporting that Pedro and his family 'preferred to move to London' to living up north.

Is Manchester uglier than the back of a fridge and constantly raining? This was never a problem back in Sir Alex's day...

The Independent has launched a new football app! Live scores, in-game stats, breaking news, videos and push notifications are just some of the many features. Use the links below to download and get more from Indy Football...

iPhone
http://ind.pn/iphonefootball

iPad
http://ind.pn/ipadfootball

Android
http://ind.pn/androidfootball