Former Spain forward Pedro Rodriguez has announced his retirement at age 39, concluding an incredible 20-year professional career that took him to 25 trophies and some of football’s greatest honours.
The decision was confirmed on Wednesday after Pedro became a free agent after his contract with Lazio expired in July. Former Barcelona and Chelsea attacker was quoted as stating that the time had come to start a new chapter in his life outside of football.
“I feel it is time. That was the moment to take a step forward and start a new chapter in my life,” Pedro said in a statement posted on social media.
The Spaniard is leaving the game with a fine record both in the domestic and international arena. He was a member of Spain’s historic team that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and was a starter in the game against the Netherlands.
Two years later, Pedro was also to feature in Spain’s successful Euro 2012 campaign, as La Roja maintained their supremacy in international football. A similar career went to his club as Pedro played a significant part in Barcelona’s golden era before heading to England and Italy.
He was then transferred to Chelsea after a successful career in Barcelona, before heading to Roma and eventually to Lazio where he spent the rest of his days until his release earlier this year. Looking back at his career, Pedro thanked everyone who helped him on his way and enabled him to live his dreams as a football player.
“It’s a time I’ve been able to live my dream and have the people in my corner who’ve made it possible,” he said.
