FC Barcelona has a huge network of players and former icons that stay connected to the club. These legends of the game tend to hold Barcelona in their hearts with special regard. However, that is also what makes parting ways with the club just as saddening.
One of the many names that have successfully represented the Barcelona badge over the years currently plays for Lazio in Serie A. Currently aged 36, he is well past the peak he established for himself at Barça. The player in question is, of course, none other than ‘Pedro’.
Loyal to Barcelona
In a recent interview, as highlighted by SPORT, Pedro was asked about Barcelona. First and foremost, speaking about a possible reunion with his old club, Pedri showed no hesitation in pledging his allegiance and loyalty to the Catalan club and being there if he is needed.
“If Xavi calls me, I’ll take a quick flight, and before he hangs up, I’m here.”
However, he also did acknowledge that he has tried this previously but to no avail. Due to various complications, Pedro could ultimately not return to Barcelona.
“But it’s difficult; I’ve talked in recent years with many people, with Xavi, with Laporta… I’ve tried to return in one way or another, but it’s very complicated.”
Possible retirement in Catalonia
The former Barcelona star also believes that he knows these complications well. Given his age, he knows there are visible issues with him returning. However, he does not think too much about retiring for now anyway as he still thinks he has time left.
“There are many factors… especially due to age, but I would love it: it would be the perfect closure to my career. Being able to retire here would be spectacular, but as I see it as distant, I don’t even consider it.”
Talking about the Barcelona of today
Pedro was then asked about this current iteration of Barcelona and their recent struggles. However, the Spanish forward pointed towards their young talents and how they can build on for the future.
“I see Barcelona in a good light. They’ve been lucky again that a lot of young players with enormous potential have emerged: Lamine, Gavi, Pedri, Araujo… There’s a core here that will last for many years.”
He went on to further elaborate that this young talented mix will work even better with the talented, established stars that they have. As per Pedro, these upcoming Barcelona stars have already managed to turn heads beyond just the Catalan city.
“Overall, I see them in good shape. The problem lies in comparing eras. That’s a bit of what happens, but overall, I see them well-equipped with world-class players like Lewandowski, Raphinha.”
“Maybe their value isn’t appreciated as much from within, but here at Lazio, they ask me about these young players and how they can make a difference at such a young age.”
During his time at Barcelona, Pedro made 204 appearances for the first team. This excludes the numbers he put in for the subsidiary and youth sides. He managed to help La Blaugrana win 5 La Liga titles, 3 UEFA Champions Leagues, 3 Copa Del Rays, and even won the World Cup and a UEFA Euro with Spain in 2012.
