Pedro recalls leaving Barcelona: 'It left a thorn in my side...'

Pedro Rodríguez, the Spanish forward who has played for Lazio for the past three seasons, recalled his departure from Barcelona in an interview on the Twitch channel "Jijantes FC." He left Barcelona in 2015 after eight seasons with the Blaugrana's first team and admitted it left him "with a thorn in his side."

"My departure from Barça was difficult because it was the club of my life, and I had been there for many years. The president supported me, but the coach [Luis Enrique] not so much. I was one goal away from 100 with Barça. When Xavi was there, I would ask him to let me take a penalty, but I ended up leaving. It left a thorn in my side not to have been able to close this chapter," he said, then went on to recall the "privilege" of having played with stars like Iniesta, Messi, and Xavi.

Pedro’s time at Barcelona was marked by numerous successes and memorable moments. Joining the first team in 2007, he quickly became an integral part of one of the most successful eras in the club’s history. He was known for his versatility, speed, and knack for scoring crucial goals. His contributions were vital in securing multiple La Liga titles, Copa del Rey victories, and UEFA Champions League trophies for Barcelona.

Reflecting on his illustrious career at Barcelona, Pedro emphasized the significance of playing alongside some of football's greatest talents. "It was an incredible stage for me. Playing with Messi, Xavi, Andrés [Iniesta]... They also helped me achieve the feat of scoring in all competitions. I had the privilege of experiencing many unique moments in my career," he concluded.

Pedro's achievements at Barcelona included scoring in six different competitions in a single season, a record that highlighted his exceptional talent and versatility. His ability to perform consistently at the highest level earned him admiration from fans and teammates alike.

Despite the bittersweet end to his Barcelona chapter, Pedro’s career continued to flourish. After his departure from Barça, he joined Chelsea, where he added more silverware to his collection, including the Premier League and the FA Cup. His move to Lazio in 2021 marked a new chapter in his career, where he continued to showcase his skills and experience in Serie A.

Pedro's reflections on his time at Barcelona underscore the emotional connection and profound impact the club had on his career. His journey serves as a testament to his resilience and passion for the game, inspiring young footballers to pursue their dreams with dedication and perseverance.