In an exclusive interview for ScoreLens, former Canary Islands striker Pedro Rodríguez, 39, reflected on his twenty-year professional career, highlighting the most significant moments and the people who most influenced his career. The player, who started out in the FCBarcelona reserve team and became a club legend, then moved to the Premier League to sign for Chelsea before concluding his career in Italy, with ASRoma and Lazio. Throughout his career, Pedro accumulated 25 titles, including a World Cup and a European Championship with the Spanish team.
Pedro recalled that the best player with whom he has shared the field was LeoMessi, with whom he was part of the historic Barcelona that won seven titles in three years. “Messi is a genius,” he said, calling him a “genius” in his own personal test. As for the coaches who had the most impact on him, the former striker named PepGuardiola, whom he described as “perfectionism,” and TitoVilanova, whom he highlighted for his “charisma.” He also highlighted LuisEnrique, whom he called “character,” and VicenteDelBosque, whom he described as “humility.”
Among the players who have given him football, Pedro cited SergioBusquets, whom he described as “magical.” On the other hand, the rival that was most difficult for him to overcome was SergioRamos, with whom he played in numerous finals and high-tension matches. The goal he remembers most is the one he scored in the Wembley final, a moment that defined his time at Chelsea. The stadium that motivated him the most as a rival was the SantiagoBernabéu, where the pressure and intensity of the atmosphere pushed him to give his best.
In his personal test, Pedro also talked about the referees he likes, naming Colina and MateuLahoz as examples of professionals he values. In addition, he mentioned that the “football thorn” that he has left is the experience of winning a title in Italy, something that he considered a special challenge. The most special title he has won is the World Cup, which for him represents the pinnacle of his career. “The lesson that football taught me is to always be mentally at my best,” he concluded, underlining the importance of the psychological aspect in sport.
With his eyes set on the future, Pedro expressed that the match he would most like to play again would be a classic between Barça and Real Madrid. Although he is no longer on the pitch, his legacy lives on in the 25 titles he collects and the lessons he shares with the next generation of footballers.