New Chelsea signing Pedro admits he has taken a "gamble" by leaving Barcelona – but says his desire to play regularly was behind his decision to quit the Nou Camp.
The Spain forward completed a £21.1m move to the Premier League champions last week and scored on his debut in their 3-2 victory at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
Less than 24 hours after making a scoring start to his Chelsea career, Pedro flew back to Barcelona to hold a farewell press conference.
The 28-year-old signed a four-year contract to remain at Barca as recently as June but had a change of heart having made just 25 starts in all competitions following the arrival of Luis Suarez last summer.
"Of course I would have liked to have stayed at Barca and retire here," he told the Spanish media.
"That was my intention when I signed my contract extension. 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."
He added: "I was really happy when I signed that contract. But then I saw that my situation would not change.
"This offer arrived and it gave me everything I needed to take a decision. I wanted to leave to have more playing time."
The World Cup winner had appeared to be on his way to Manchester United before Chelsea swooped to secure his services. His representative, Antonio Sanz, later claimed United had "fell asleep" on a deal, allowing the Blues the opportunity to capitalise.
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