Chelsea legend Pedro Rodriguez has announced his retirement from professional football, concluding a career that saw him win major trophies with Barcelona, the Blues, and Spain. The 39-year-old confirmed his decision to hang up his boots on October 7, a few months after his contract with Lazio expired.
Pedro notably recorded his retirement announcement video at Camp Nou, where he became one of Europe’s most exciting forwards under Pep Guardiola. He won three Champions League trophies and five La Liga titles with the club, among other achievements, spanning between 2008 and 2015. The legendary forward said:
“I feel that the time has come. The time to take a step forward and begin a new stage in my life. I leave proud of having lived my dream and of all the people who stood by my side to make it a reality. Thank you, football, for making me so happy.”
Pedro further added:
“Being part of the best Barça in history was a privilege. We won everything and amazed the world. My heart will always be with Barça. And one day, almost without believing it, I became a world champion and a starter in the World Cup final. London taught me to start again from zero, to discover another culture and to grow as a person.”
Thank you, Pedro
He spent five years at Chelsea, between 2015 and 2020, where he won the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Europa League. The legend left Stamford Bridge for Italy, spending the rest of his career with Roma and Lazio. With Spain, he won the World Cup in 2010 and Euro 2012, earning 65 senior caps.
He said his thank-yous towards the end of his video:
“Today I return to where it all began, to close a wonderful chapter. I feel it’s the right time. Thanks to my teammates: the best thing wasn’t the titles, it was all of you. Thanks to the clubs that opened their doors to me. Thanks to the coaches who believed in me. Thanks to the fans for all their affection. And thanks to my children, my family and my friends.”