News Focus
- Pedro Rodríguez scores the winning goal in his final appearance for the club
- The 38-year-old will leave Lazio when his contract expires on June 30
- He captained the side and the team wore special shirts featuring his face
- Manager Maurizio Sarri also said goodbye after their long partnership at Chelsea and Rome
- The Spanish winger plans to continue playing but has not chosen his next club
Spanish winger Pedro Rodríguez could not hold back his tears as he ended his time at Lazio with a perfect farewell. The 38-year-old scored the winning goal in his last match for the club against Pisa at the Stadio Olimpico.
The evening was full of emotion. Pedro wore the captain’s armband and the team played in shirts showing his face. He marked the occasion with a beautiful left-footed strike into the bottom corner to complete a comeback victory.
After the match, Pedro spoke to Sky Sport Italia about his feelings. “It was difficult to control my emotions today,” he said. “The respect from everyone here is amazing. I can only say thank you. This has been very special.”
The win came after Lazio had fallen behind to a Stefano Moreo header. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru levelled the score before Pedro grabbed the winner. The fans gave him a standing ovation when he left the pitch for the last time in a Lazio shirt.
Pedro also shared a warm moment on the touchline with manager Maurizio Sarri. The two men have a long history together from their days at Chelsea and now Lazio. “We have known each other for many years,” Pedro explained. “It was an honour to learn so much from him.”
Although he turns 39 in July, Pedro has no plans to retire. He scored five goals and made two assists in 29 Serie A games this season. He also won the Player of the Match award in his final game.
“I do not know what will happen next,” Pedro admitted. “I will rest for a short time and then look at my options. It has been a hard season for all of us. Now I want to enjoy these memories and be with my family.”
It was sad that the Lazio ultras kept their boycott of home matches, so the stadium was almost empty. Some fans held banners saying they came only for Pedro or Sarri. However, the ultras did give Pedro their support at the training ground yesterday.