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Pedro returns to Barcelona: Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta among those who give Chelsea player ovation

The Spain international returned to his former club today, just 24 hours after his brilliant Chelsea debut

Monday 24 August 2015 15:38 BST

Lionel Messi (C), Barcelona's midfielder Andres Iniesta and midfielder Sergio Busquets at Pedro's farewell (GETTY IMAGES)

Pedro was in Barcelona today to officially announce his departure from the Nou Camp. Considering his performance for new club Chelsea on Sunday, he needn't have bothered.

The Spain international, who completed his transfer last Thursday, made his debut for the Blues on Sunday. He put in a scintillating performance against West Brom, scoring the opening goal and setting up the second for Diego Costa in a 3-2 win at the Hawthorns.

Despite announcing of his arrival at Chelsea in the best possible manner, Pedro returned to Catalonia today to say a proper goodbye.

Among those assembled for the press conference were many of his former team-mates. Lionel Messi, Neymar and Gerard Pique were among around 20 players who squeezed into the room to hear Pedro explain his exit. Before he did, the entire room gave Pedro an ovation.

La plantilla del Barcelona ovaciona a Pedro pic.twitter.com/Hs1Ea3hZzT
— Alfredo Martínez (@Alfremartinezz) August 24, 2015

During his press conference, Pedro explained why he joined Chelsea.

"There were some big clubs in for me. There was interest from [Manchester] City and United but it was Chelsea that moved the quickest and were the most decisive. It's a massive club. They win trophies just as Barca and I don't regret the decision at all.

"I like what Mourinho told me when we spoke. He said that he wanted to make the club stronger and that I would be able to help him do that."

Pedro at his official Barcelona exit press conference (GETTY IMAGES)

He added: "John Terry has always impressed me as a captain. He has that very strong mentality and that always impacts on you when you play against Chelsea and he and all the players have been fantastic since I arrived."

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

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West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

West Brom: Myhill

The goalkeeper conceded three goals, but was let down by his defence. 6

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Dawson

A central defender by trade but playing at right back, he struggled to cope with Hazard’s pace but got involved with West Brom’s attacks when he could. 5

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

McAuley

Costa got the better of the Northern Ireland international time and time again, and after the centre-back had lost his battle with the striker, it allowed Costa to set up Azpilicueta for Chelsea’s third. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Olsson

The Sweden international couldn’t deal with the pace of Pedro in the build-up to the winger’s opening goal. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Brunt

The left winger, who has been used at left back under Pulis, came close to equalising with a late shot that went high but he was exploited by Pedro throughout the game. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Yacob

It was his run forwards that allowed Willian to get in behind him and set up Costa for his goal. Was lacking in pace in opener as Willian got past him to make it 2-0. 5

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

McManaman

The winger’s pace caused Azpilicueta all sorts of problems and after skipping past the left-back, he was brought down by Matic for the penalty. He also provided the cross for Morrison’s second goal. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Morrison

West Brom’s longest-serving player made up for his missed penalty by scoring twice in what was a positive showing for the midfielder. 8

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Flecther

Worked hard in midfield to combat Fabregas’ influence but failed to fully protect his back line. 5

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

McClean

Was dangerous for West Brom and it was his good work that allowed him to get past Ivanovic and create Morrison’s second goal. 6

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Rondon

Looked sharp on his debut and it was his overhead kick that set up Morrison for his goal. Didn’t get on the scoresheet but was a threat up front for the home side. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Chelsea: Courtois

Remained calm in goal despite the end-to-end nature of the match, saving Morrison's early penalty before making several late saves to ensure the win. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Ivanovic

Did better on the right flank than against Manchester City last week, but Chelsea’s vice-captain was beaten too easily by McClean for West Brom’s first goal before McManaman got the better of him for the home side’s second. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Zouma

Provided strength in central defence and made some good early tackles. 6

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Terry

After being the subject of headlines following his substitution against City, the Chelsea skipper let himself down when he saw red for failing to keep up with Rondon before pulling the striker back while he was through on goal. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Azpilicueta

Helped restore Chelsea’s two-goal lead with his strike just before the break, but was beaten too easily by McManaman in the lead-up to West Brom’s penalty as he struggled with his defensive duties. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Fabregas

It was the Spaniard’s lofty pass that instigated the move that led to Azpilicueta’s goal, and the midfielder continued providing accurate passes to help build-up Chelsea’s attacks as the game went on. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Matic

Clumsily brought down McManaman to give away the penalty but was let off the hook when Courtois saved the resulting spot-kick. He didn’t look as strong in midfield as usual, and couldn’t contend with Morrison’s strength for West Brom’s second goal. 5

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Willian

Made a great run on the counter to set up Chelsea’s second goal and should have scored just before the break but drove high. Another good performance with a high work rate against West Brom. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Hazard

The Belgian looked back to his best against West Brom as he set up Pedro for the opener and used his pace to cause the home side’s defence problems. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Pedro4

Chelsea’s man of the match. The winger seemed at ease on his Premier League debut scoring a goal and setting up Diego Costa’s strike. His pace on the right and his superb crosses will prove dangerous for Chelsea this season. 8

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Costa.jpg

His goal was the icing on the cake for the striker, who enjoyed a very good performance up front. Costa looked dangerous throughout and really should have bagged a brace in the second half but drove high with time and space. 8

Pedro confirmed that his decision to leave the Nou Camp, where he won three Champions League titles among a huge haul of trophies, was based on the lack of a guarantee of first-team football.

"I'm sad to be leaving this great group but I want to play," he said. "I knew that I could stay here and that if I did I would have been fine but I knew there was also an option to leave. Saying goodbye to my marvellous team-mates is the hardest thing. I been here for ten years and it's a strange situation."

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