For the second straight summer, Chelsea have signed a player from FC Barcelona. In stark contrast with the Fabregas transfer, however, Barca are handling Pedro's departure in a much nicer manner. (At least I want to say nice. I think they're being nice. And I don't often associate nice with them.)
You might recall a most unprofessional farewell note from Barcelona's official website to Cesc Fabregas, for example. Changed to something a bit more appropriate later, the original farewell gave a less-than-glowing review of Fabregas's three years with the club, accusing him, in part, of fading drastically in the second half of every league season. Whether that's true or not (and initial evidence of Cesc's first season with Chelsea would seem to indicate that it is true) is besides the point. It's one thing to publish club-centric match reports or other "biased" articles, it's another to lob a cheap shot or two at the back of a player leaving.
With Pedro, the official site keeps it brief, professional, and to the point, while confirming that €3m of the agreed-upon €30m transfer fee is for performance-related bonuses. (So €27m+3m final price.)
The Club wishes to publicly express its gratitude to Pedro Rodríguez for his professionalism and dedication while with the Club, as well as to wish him all the best in the future.
-source: FC Barcelona
That may sound cold and detached, but the video above and additional coverage, like a 10 best moments rundown, would seem to indicate that there are plenty of emotions surrounding Pedro's departure after 321 matches and 99 goals in over a decade of service in the organization. #GràciesPedro goes the hashtag.
#GràciesPedro LIGA UCL SPANISH CUP EUROPEAN SC SPANISH SC FIFA WORLD CLUB CUP ⚽️ 99 pic.twitter.com/KazKqFgulT
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 20, 2015
Welcome, Winner!
Very happy, I’m already Blue! Thank U all and specially @FCBarcelona for make possible to reach this point @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/fgERbDXLcJ
— Pedro Rodríguez (@_Pedro17_) August 20, 2015