Pedro
ROME, ITALY - APRIL 21: Pedro Rodriguez of SS Lazio greets his fans before leaving for Bergamo for the Coppa Italia semi-final on April 21, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Former Lazio winger Pedro Rodriguez has decided to hang up his boots at the age of 39, putting an end to a truly elusive playing career.
Pedro Retires from Football
While the news has been in the air for quite some time, the Spaniard made it official on Wednesday with a video announcement on his Instagram account. The 2010 World Cup felt that this was the right time to retire from the sport and embark on a new venture, albeit without specifying his next move.
I feel that the time has come. The time to take a step forward and begin a new chapter in my life. I leave proud to have lived my dream and grateful for all the people who stood by my side in making it a reality. Thank you, football, for making me so happy.
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Pedro is a Tenerife native who was poached by Barcelona at a tender age. He went on to become a key player for the Blaugrana side that dominated the Spanish and European landscape under Pep Guardiola between 2008 and 2011. Therefore, he remains particularly fond of his time in Catalunya.
I still remember the noise. Thousands of people in the stands and a 20-year-old boy from Tenerife waiting on the touchline, right here. That day, I stepped onto a football pitch and opened the door to another life.
At that moment, it was impossible to imagine what would happen next. It all started on a dirt pitch on my island, Tenerife, with a football that I never let go of. Being part of the best team in Barcelona’s history was a privilege. We won everything. And we amazed the world. My heart will always belong to Barça.
And one day, almost without believing it, I became a world champion and a starter in a World Cup final.
The Chelsea Experience
After ending his experience at Barcelona with a plethora of titles, Pedro went on to find more success at Stamford Bridge during his five-year spell at Chelsea between 2015 and 2020.
London taught me how to start from scratch, discover another culture and grow as a person.
Pedro Recalls Lazio Spell
Following his English adventure, the winger signed for Roma, only to make an extremely rare crosstown switch to Lazio the following season. Interestingly, the video montage didn’t show any scenes of Pedro in a Giallorossi shirt, but only in Lazio colours, since he was a fan favourite among the Biancocelesti until his departure at the end of the previous campaign.
And Italy. Italy touched my heart. I arrived as a veteran and they treated me like a son. Today, I return to where it all began, to close a wonderful chapter. I feel that the time is right.
Thank you to my teammates. The best thing was not the titles, it was you. Thank you to the clubs that opened their doors to me. Thank you to the coaches who believed in me. Thank you to the fans for all this affection. And thank you to my children, my family and my friends. Thank you, football, for making me so happy.
Lazio also paid tribute to Pedro, who made 209 appearances during his five years at the club, contributing with 39 goals and 19 assists.