The Dutchman was fielding questions from the press on Thursday, ahead of United’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa this evening, when a possible transfer for the Barcelona forward was raised.
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Having wrapped up their fourth trophy of 2015 on Tuesday, Barcelona can move towards securing another in the Supercopa de Espana final against Athletic Bilbao with Pedro’s future still up in the air.
“Pedro accepts that leaving Barcelona is a real possibility but Barca seem to be sticking to that release fee of £21.2m”, Hunter told Sky Sports News headquarters.
“I would never leave if I was Pedro because if he goes there he would no longer be a footballer”. I’ve always given my all at this club.
Fernando Torres has backed Barcelona winger Pedro to succeed in the Premier League as he continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United. I’ve crossed two words with him and he doesn’t know what I’ve been through at the club to talk like that of me.
On the worldwide stage Pedro has been a mainstay of the Spanish squad through both the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship victories, scoring 16 goals in 51 caps.
He made 35 appearances last season, however, only featured in eight of those for the full 90 minutes and was in the starting XI for 15 of them. We have a goalkeeping coach, Frans Hoek, and I’m not doing everything alone.
The midfielder remains hopeful his compatriot will stay put, but has stressed the Barcelona attacker’s happiness is what matters most. “I was going well, then Ferguson left”. At the same time, he holds a strong emotional bond with the club and the fans love him dearly.
“It’s down to him and his heart but if he stays we’ll be delighted, if not we’ll respect his decision”.
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Pedro, whose first team opportunities at Barcelona has been restricted due to the brilliant form of the attacking trio comprising Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, is expected to make a move to Manchester.
