Joao Pedro insists there is no feeling of competition with fellow striker Liam Delap after both players found the net as Chelsea thrashed AC Milan 4-1 at Stamford Bridge.
In the Blues’ final pre-season fixture before beginning their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace next Sunday, an Andrei Coubis own goal, followed by a Pedro header and Delap brace ensured Enzo Maresca’s side ran out comfortable winners over their Serie A opponents.
The Italian club, who were reduced to 10 men part way through the first half, rarely threatened Chelsea’s backline but did pull a goal back through Youssouf Fofana.
Pedro, who signed for Chelsea from Brighton for £60m part way through the Club World Cup and who went on to score in the final against PSG, has impressed since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
The 23-year-old has scored five goals in his last five games, including twice at home against Bayer Leverkusen and Milan.
“I’m very happy to score at Stamford Bridge,” Pedro told Channel 5 after the game against the Rossoneri. “I’ve enjoyed this pre-season. Two games, two goals.
“Now we need to rest and start well in the Premier League.”
Pedro added that, despite interest from several other clubs, it was aneasy decision when Chelsea came calling.
“Like I said when I came, Chelsea have a brilliant team,” he said.
“A young team so it made it easy for me to come and to do my best with them.”
The forward arrived shortly after Delap had made the move from Ipswich Town. But the Brazilian was quick to dismiss any sense of rivalry between the two.
He added: “I don’t want to say competition. I think it’s very good for Chelsea to have both strikers at a good level.
“Last game he [Delap] didn’t score but today he scored two and I am very happy for him.”
Maresca’s men kick off their Premier League season with the visit of Crystal Palace on Sunday 17 August (14:00 UK time).
