Chelsea completes €30-million transfer of Pedro from Barcelona

Pedro's arrival in London is complete.

Chelsea confirmed the capture of the former Barcelona star Thursday, with the forward expressing his eagerness to continue adding to his trophy collection.

"I am very happy to be here. I am very excited to start my adventure at Chelsea and I am here to keep winning titles," he told the team's website.

"Thanks to the club and the supporters for giving me the opportunity to put the blue shirt on."

Barcelona announced that it accepted a transfer fee worth €30 million (£21.2 million), plus €3 million dependent on bonuses, from Chelsea to finalise the transfer.

The 28-year-old winger, who can also play as a central striker, signed a four-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2019, according to Ben Smith of the BBC.

Pedro's move to Stamford Bridge follows an intense pursuit by Manchester United. The Red Devils appeared set to secure his signature until Chelsea swooped in to hijack the transfer.

United was also reported to have lost interest because of Barcelona's unwillingness to lower its valuation and Louis van Gaal's contentment with his team.

The transfer ends Pedro's illustrious career with the Catalan giants. He played a significant role in helping Barcelona capture 20 titles, most recently winning the Champions League, during his decade at the Camp Nou.

His playing time at Barcelona, however, began to decrease with the arrival of Luis Suarez last summer, as Pedro was reduced to a role off the bench for much of the Spanish side's treble-winning campaign.

The situation should be different at Chelsea. Pedro figures to be a regular in manager Jose Mourinho's first team, and might be available to make his debut at the Hawthorns against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.