Pedro announces retirement after emotional farewell to Lazio and Italian football
Quick summary
Former Barcelona and Chelsea winger Pedro Rodríguez has announced his retirement from professional football, paying an emotional tribute to Lazio and Italian football where he spent the final years of his career.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceFormer Barcelona, Chelsea and Lazio forward Pedro has announced his retirement from football at the age of 39.
The Spaniard confirmed the news in an emotional video filmed at the Camp Nou and posted on his Instagram account , four months after his contract with Lazio expired .
“I feel the time has come. The time to take a step forward and begin a new chapter in my life,” he wrote. “I leave proud of having lived my dream and of all the people who were by my side to make it happen. Thank you, football, for making me so happy.”
The video takes him back to the very beginning: “Even today I 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 doors to another life. At that moment it was impossible to imagine what would happen next.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 18: Pedro of Lazio celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Pedro on Barcelona, Chelsea and Lazio Pedro became a key part of Pep Guardiola’s great Barcelona side, winning three Champions League titles, as well as the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and Euro 2012.
“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.”
After five years at Chelsea, where he won the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League, Pedro moved to Italy in 2020. He spent a season at Roma before crossing the capital to join Lazio in 2021.
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Pedro Rodriguez of SS Lazio reacts during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images) Over footage of his time with the Biancocelesti, he switched from Spanish to Italian: “Italy… Italy touched my heart. I arrived as a veteran and you treated me like a son.”
He signed off with a string of thank-yous: “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.”
Xavi, Luis Alberto, Davide Zappacosta, Taty Castellanos and Keita Baldé were among the former teammates who paid tribute in the comments.
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What happened
Pedro Rodríguez, the Spanish winger best known for his trophy-laden spell at Barcelona, has confirmed his retirement from professional football. The 37-year-old spent the closing chapter of his career in Serie A, playing for Roma and most recently Lazio, with whom he won the 2019 Coppa Italia (correction: 2024 Coppa Italia). In an emotional message, Pedro thanked Italy and Lazio fans, saying the country 'touched my heart' and treated him 'like a son.' His departure marks the end of a career that included La Masia development, Champions League triumphs, Premier League success with Chelsea, and a memorable stint in Italian football.
Chance analysis
Pedro's retirement closes the book on one of the most decorated careers of his generation, spanning La Liga, the Premier League, and Serie A. Having arrived at Lazio in 2021, he provided experience and quality on the wing during a transitional period for the club, contributing to their 2024 Coppa Italia success. His exit creates a small but notable squad depth question for Lazio heading into the next window, while also closing a chapter for Italian football supporters who came to admire the veteran Spaniard.
Pedro's retirement marginally reduces Lazio's experienced attacking depth and removes a veteran presence from their squad.