Pedro Rodriguez announces retirement after 39-year-old forward’s Lazio contract ends

Pedro Rodriguez, the former Barcelona and Chelsea forward, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 39.

The Spanish player confirmed his decision in a statement on Instagram, writing: “I feel that the time has come, the time to retire and begin a new chapter in my life.”

He added: “I am proud of myself because I lived my dream, and proud of all the people who stood by me and helped make that dream a reality. Thank you to football for making me happy.”

Pedro’s career ended after his contract with Lazio expired. He represented Barcelona, Lazio, Chelsea and Roma during his club career, having begun playing at the San Isidro academy before joining Barcelona’s academy at a young age.

He made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2008 and went on to make 321 appearances for the club. Pedro scored 99 goals and provided 61 assists during that time.

His honours included the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 with Spain. At club level, he won the UEFA Champions League three times, the Premier League once and La Liga five times.

Pedro also lifted the UEFA Super Cup three times, the FIFA Club World Cup twice, the UEFA Europa League once, the FA Cup once, the Copa del Rey three times and the Spanish Super Cup four times.

The final stage of his career came at Lazio, where he made 209 appearances, scoring 39 goals and registering 19 assists.

Across his club career, Pedro played 794 matches, scoring 197 goals and creating 113 more.

He made his Spain debut in 2010 in a friendly against Saudi Arabia. Pedro went on to win 65 caps for the national team, scoring 17 goals and providing 11 assists.

His decision brings to an end a career that began in Barcelona’s youth system and included major domestic, European and international honours.