Pedro Confirms Lazio Exit, Career at Crossroads
Legendary Spanish footballer Pedro Rodríguez, 38, has confirmed his departure from Lazio at the end of the season and is considering retirement, making him the last active player from Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning squad.
You can't talk about football history in the Canary Islands without mentioning Pedro Rodríguez Ledesma. The player from Tenerife is a legend in Spain and the only one from the 2010 World Cup-winning squad who is still playing at the top level. However, that might change soon, as he considers retirement.
Pedro, who is 38, has confirmed this will be his final season with Lazio. He's been with the Roman club, also known as I Biancocelesti, for a while, but his time there is coming to an end in a few months. The winger, originally from Abades, announced his departure from the Stadio Olimpico, saying, "Without a doubt, this will be my last year at Lazio."
Having come through FC Barcelona's youth system and played for Chelsea, Roma, Lazio, and the Spanish National Team, Pedro Rodríguez has earned the right to choose when and how he finishes his career in Italy and professional football. He stated, "I want to leave this team where it deserves to be, in Europe, to create a good memory." This shows he still has the competitive drive that helped him win major trophies for his clubs and for Spain.
This season, Pedro reached an impressive 800 professional matches. Last season, he scored 12 goals and was a key player for Lazio. However, this season, Lazio has had a tough start in Serie A (only 12 points from a possible 27), and Pedro's own performance numbers have dropped. These factors seem to have contributed to his decision to leave at the end of the season.
This summer will be a big one for his career. According to EL DÍA, Pedro will wait until the season is over to decide his next step: continue playing at the highest level, move to a less competitive league, or retire and pursue new ventures off the pitch.
Regarding his life off the pitch, Pedro has been helping many children for years through the Pedro Rodríguez Foundation, based in Tenerife. This foundation uses football to bring sport and hope to those who need it, allowing both young and old to enjoy various experiences.