Pedro Rodríguez, 39, Retires After Decorated Career With Barcelona, Chelsea and Spain

Pedro Rodríguez, the former Barcelona and Chelsea winger, has confirmed he is retiring from professional football at the age of 39. He had not been attached to a club since departing Lazio at the conclusion of the previous season. The former Spain international brings down the curtain on a highly decorated career in which he claimed the World Cup, the European Championship and the Champions League. 'I feel that now is the moment,' Pedro posted on social media, together with a video showing highlights from his career. 'It's the moment to take a step forward and start a new chapter in my life. I leave the game proud of fulfilling my dreams and of all the people who were alongside me making them a reality. Thank you, football, for making me so happy.' A native of Tenerife, Pedro entered Barcelona's youth academy at 17 and rose through the ranks before debuting for the first team in 2008. He went on to become an integral figure in Pep Guardiola's much-admired Barcelona team, collecting three Champions League crowns, five La Liga titles and an unprecedented six trophies in 2009. Pedro found the net in Barcelona's 3-1 Champions League final win against Manchester United at Wembley in 2011. He concluded his time at the club with 99 goals in 321 appearances. In 2015 he moved from Barcelona to Chelsea, where he won the Premier League in 2017, then added the FA Cup and Europa League over the next two seasons. He subsequently represented Roma and Lazio, finishing his professional career after making more than 200 appearances for the Serie A side. On the international stage, Pedro was in Spain's squad that triumphed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and at the 2012 European Championship. He earned 65 caps for Spain and scored 17 goals. According to the club, Pedro will formally mark his retirement with a farewell event at the Auditori 1899 in Barcelona on Friday, October 9, beginning at 11:30 am CEST.