Pedro Rodriguez moves to Lazio
Pedro Rodriguez finally got a new club. After no longer needed by AS Roma, he crossed to Lazio.
Pedro was recruited by Roma on a free transfer from Chelsea in September last year. The 34-year-old winger is still under contract with Roma until 2023.
However, the arrival of Jose Mourinho in Rome changed Pedro's fate. The former Barcelona player was not included in Mourinho's plans for the 2021/2022 season and was also not invited to pre-season training.
Pedro eventually left AS Roma and chose Lazio's proposal. The Giallorossi released on a free transfer, which at the same time avoided a salary burden of 8 million euros.
Pedro's confirmation of joining Lazio has been announced via the club's social media. This indicates the transfer of players from one city rival club.
Pedro at Lazio got the number 9 jersey, which was last given to Alessandro Rossi as a young player. Filip Dordevic was recorded as the last senior player to use this number in the 2017/2018 season.
Pedro will also reunite with Maurizio Sarri. Both had worked together at Chelsea for one season by presenting the Europa League title.
According to Transfermarkt records, Pedro made 52 appearances for Sarri's Chelsea. The Spaniard had 13 goals and five assists.
Pedro Rodriguez is not the only player who has played for AS Roma and Lazio, two city rivals. Previously there were Diego Fuser, Sinisa Mihajlovic, Roberto Muzzi, Angelo Peruzzi, Franco Cordova and Attilio Ferraris.
The last two names are players who made direct transfers from Roma to Lazio. Others, stop by first to another club before going to Lazio.