Pedro Pens Farewell Note To Chelsea, Preps For Roma Challenge
Pedro Rodriguez Ledesma formally said goodbye to Chelsea, the second player who penned his farewell on Instagram. The 33-year-old player played his final game with the Blues in the FA Final against Arsenal F.C. where he incurred a shoulder injury. This prevented him from seeing action in the Champions League last-16 loss to Bayern Munich.
Pedro is out of contract and is set to take his act to A.S. Roma. The Spanish winger had already signed a pre-contract. He agreed to play out the rest of the season for Chelsea though he fell one game short since he underwent surgery for his shoulder. He dislocated his shoulder during the FA Cup final. His final game was his 137th game donning the Blues shirt in the Premier League, Goal reported.
"Thanks a lot to the club's board, to the coaches and team-mates I've had, and of course to the fans: thank you for the experience of being a member of your big family. I've been very happy here, you've made me feel like home," Pedro said on Instagram.
His departure ends a five-year stint at Stamford Bridge where he won a Premier League title (2016-17). He also has an FA Cup and Europa League title under his belt, a ride that he fully cherishes.
"It's been a pleasure and an honor to play for this club and win the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League titles, as well as competing in one of the world's best football leagues," Pedro added.
At his age, Pedro became dispensable. With Frank Lampard adding young blood to the mix, a move out of Stamford Bridge was seen imminent. Like Willian, his chances of landing a long-term deal were not looking good. Chelsea followed a standard practice of not offering players more than a two-year contract for players over 30 years old.
"It was his last Premier League game, but the impact he has had here is huge," Lampard said. "He is here for the remainder of games, but a big player of the club leaves and the spirit of the club I saw afterward was pretty special."
For now, Pedro's main goal is to recuperate from his shoulder surgery. He has time to spare and hopes to resume play with Roma and show that he has a lot left to show. The move to Stadio Olimpico could very well be his last, a final run which he is expected to make the most out of.