Pedro criticises Louis van Gaal for Victor Valdes treatment

Chelsea winger Pedro has criticised Louis van Gaal for his treatment of Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

Pedro snubbed United to join the Blues in a £21.4m deal from Barcelona in August, raising question marks over whether players are reluctant to work under the Dutchman, who has also come under fire for his handling of former players Angel Di Maria and Javier Hernandez.

The 28-year-old says he was not impressed with how Van Gaal treated his fellow Spaniard and although he admits Valdes spoke to him about the United manager before his move to Stamford Bridge, he insists it was United's dawdling over the transfer that made him move to the Premier League champions.

"It's true that I don't like that treatment for my colleagues, especially for Victor, who has been a reference as a team-mate and as a professional," Pedro told Spanish newspaper Marca.

"I don't believe it's fair but it didn't influence my decision. I just saw that Manchester didn't take that move forward, that they were taking too long. Chelsea were more decisive.

"I spoke to Victor a lot. He told me that United was very good and there was a great fan following, but that his only problem was the situation with the coach.

"But Victor absolutely did not recommend against signing for United. He spoke very well of the club. It's a great club but I'm convinced I have made the right choice to join Chelsea.

"I had an important chat with Jose Mourinho and he said many things that I liked to hear. That, combined with the possibility to live in London, was what made me decide."