When Pedro Rodríguez (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 1987) closed a door, that of Roma, in the summer of 2021 a window opened for him, that of Lazio. The ex from Barcelona and Chelsea became the first transfer between ‘giallorossi’ and ‘biancocelesti’ in more than 40 years, since Carlo Perrone in 1981. Only 10 players throughout history have changed one bank of the Tiber for the other … without intermediate steps.
“It was very complicated. They left me out of the team and none of the coaches spoke to me, I didn’t know anything about this matter”, he assured when referring to Mourinho’s decision to separate him as soon as he arrived.
It was very complicated. They left me out of the team and none of the coaches spoke to me
Maurizio Sarri was his ‘great supporter’: “The coach told me that he wanted to win with Lazio and that’s why I came.” They had already met at Chelsea. “Pedro in Roma had a strange year, but he is a footballer who He never fails in important games. He is technical, fast… I feel a weakness for this type of player. I think he’s a bit underrated.”recognized the ‘mister’. ‘PR7’ has added, since then, 17 goals and 10 assists in 77 games.
He is technical, fast… and he never fails in important games. I have a weakness for these types of players. I think he’s a little underrated
About to turn 36 -he will do so in July-, the Spanish international He has just broken the 700-game barrier as a professional… but it has rope for a while: “It is a pride to reach this figure, but I want to keep adding. Over time I’ve learned to dose myself.”
The ex of Barcelona and Chelsea lives a second youth. His goal against AZ Alkmaar (1-2) made him the first player in history to score in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference Qualifiers.
In total, this course, he accumulates seven goals, four in Serie A, and five assists in 36 games.
None, yes, as special as the one that marked last season in the ‘eternal derby’ (3-2). “Everyone knows what happened. There is no grudge. Roma made their decision and I’m delighted to have landed at Lazio.”he confessed after sending Mourinho ‘to the lions’. Only Arne Selmonsson and Aleksandar Kolarov had previously scored for either team.
His dream, now, is to put Lazio in the Champions League. Is on a good path. His goal opened the way to victory against Monza (0-2) and allowed the ‘Águilas’ to defend second place for another week.
“It is an important step. We have a unique opportunity that we cannot miss.but there are still 10 games left and many direct confrontations. It will be a long and difficult road… but we must continue like this.”recognize.
Its renewal could precisely depend on qualifying for the Champions League. Pedro ends contract in June. “It could be a factor to take into account. We have to talk to the president, but I’m happy here. I have always spoken highly of Lazio. We will try to find the best decision possible.”
My renewal? We have to talk to the president, but I’m happy here.
President Lotito is clear: “We cannot let this phenomenon escape.”
