Xavi, Laporta pay tribute as Pedro bids farewell to professional career at Camp Nou: ‘Thought about bringing him back…’

Xavi, Laporta pay tribute as Pedro bids farewell to professional career at Camp Nou: ‘Thought about bringing him back…’ Pedro Rodriguez brought his remarkable football career to a close with an emotional farewell ceremony attended by several Barcelona legends, including Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Busquets and Carles Puyol.  The gathering celebrated his achievements while offering a glimpse of the affection he continues to command at the club he considers home. Joan Laporta, who was Barcelona president during both Pedro’s rise and his later years, also attended the event, where the possibility of a future return to the club emerged as one of the main talking points. Pedro explains why he decided to retire from football Pedro struggled to hide his emotions as he prepared to address those gathered to celebrate his career. “I hope I don’t get too emotional, but a few tears might fall,” he said. The former Barcelona forward explained that his competitive nature ultimately influenced his decision to retire at 39, believing the time had come to embrace a different chapter of his life. “The time had come to take a break,” Pedro admitted. “I’ve always said it: I’m a competitive person and, in the end, I didn’t really see myself in that situation anymore.  “After so many teams and so many matches, it was time to step aside and devote myself to a different life,” he added. Reflecting on his journey from a young footballer to an established professional, he said,  “It was a lovely journey. It’s always very hard to step out of your comfort zone and leave your homeland. I came here as a child and became an adult.” Although he is ready for life beyond playing, Pedro acknowledged that leaving football will not be easy. “It’s hard to know what to do: I’m going to miss match days, that tension, that passion of playing with a goal in mind.  “I want to enjoy my family and watch my children grow up. But, no doubt, the path ahead will involve football.” Laporta and Xavi discuss Pedro’s Barcelona legacy Meanwhile, Laporta suggested Barcelona could welcome Pedro back in another capacity, highlighting the importance of maintaining connections with former players. “We’ll see what happens, but I think it’s important for the club to bring back figures who have been part of Barça,” he began. “He brings back some great memories: I remember when he made his debut, how he ran after the ball and it was impressive. ‘What on earth is this bloke doing?’, we thought. He’s a fighter.  “I think you call them ‘chicharreros’. He’ll do well: he’s always got a smile on his face.” Xavi revealed that he had considered bringing Pedro back during his first season as Barcelona manager, when the team were going through a difficult period. “I thought about bringing him back when Dani [Alves] returned – we were going through a difficult patch – but in the end it didn’t work out,” he noted. Pedro then recalled his own request to return. “I wanted to score my 100th goal and I said to Xavi: ‘Bring me here’.”   Xavi spoke warmly about his former teammate’s qualities and the work he contributed to Barcelona’s success. “Pedro is a great friend. He’s humility personified and it’s been a privilege to watch him develop.  “I’ve never seen him in a bad mood and, in my view, he’s greatly underrated by people and in the media.  “For a playmaker like me, the runs he made to get into space, using both feet – he never tired. An incredible player.” Puyol and Busquets echoed similar feelings, stating, “A player you always want to have in your team because he always puts the team first.” Pedro backs Flick’s Barcelona and pays tribute to Guardiola Pedro reserved special praise for Pep Guardiola, whom he described as “my footballing father and my great mentor.” “I remember matches where I’d score three goals and he’d tell me I’d been terrible,” he recalled. “Neither of us could ever have imagined achieving what we did. I hope you’ll be back soon because football needs you,” Guardiola said in a recorded message. Meanwhile, Pedro also offered advice to the next generation of Barcelona players, drawing on the importance of having a coach who believes in their ability. “In the world of football, you also need a bit of luck – someone to believe in you, as Guardiola did. If I had to give one piece of advice to the young players at Barça, it would be never to lose heart.” The former forward remains impressed by Barcelona’s current generation and believes they can build on the club’s previous successes. “Lamine, Cubarsi, Pedri, Fermin, Gavi… they’re playing spectacularly.  “They’re performing at a very high level. May they continue to work with this same enthusiasm. “I think they can follow a similar path. They can even extend our era, and hopefully they can keep playing at this level.” Lastly, messages from former teammates, including Andres Iniesta, Eden Hazard, Sergio Ramos and David Villa, brought the ceremony to a close.  Pedro expressed his satisfaction at ending his career at a club he always considered home. “It’s the perfect ending. My big dream was to retire here, and there was no better way to finish than to be here in front of my fans. “I may not have been the most high-profile player, but I feel that people have loved me dearly.” Notably, Pedro will take the ceremonial kick-off before Barcelona face Getafe on Saturday, providing one more opportunity for fans to celebrate one of the most underrated players of one of Barcelona’s golden generations. Source: SPORT