Pedro Rodríguez Ledesma has retired from professional football at 39. The former Barcelona, Chelsea and Spain winger confirmed his decision on social media on October 7. His career began in Barcelona's academy more than 20 years ago and brought him 25 major trophies.

Retirement Follows Lazio Exit

Pedro had been without a club since leaving Lazio at the end of June. He announced his retirement more than three months later. In his message, he said the time had come to start a new stage of his life. He thanked football for the happiness it gave him.

His five years at Lazio produced 209 appearances, 39 goals and 19 assists. Before that, he spent one season at Roma in 2020.

From La Masia to World Champion

Pedro left Tenerife for Barcelona's academy at the age of 17. He made his first-team debut in the 2007/08 season and signed his first senior contract two years later. He then became a key part of Pep Guardiola's all-conquering side.

In 321 appearances for Barcelona, he scored 99 goals. He won five La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies and three Champions League titles. He scored in the 2011 final against Manchester United at Wembley. In 2009/10, he became the first player to score in all six competitions Barcelona contested in one season.

He joined Chelsea in 2015 and spent five years in London, scoring 43 goals in 206 appearances. There he won the Premier League in 2017, the FA Cup in 2018 and the Europa League in 2019.

Pedro also played 65 times for Spain, scoring 17 goals, with his final international appearance coming in 2017. He started the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands and won Euro 2012 with the same golden generation.

Farewell event Scheduled for October 9

Pedro will mark his retirement with a farewell event on Friday 9 October at the Auditori 1899 in Barcelone. It starts at 11:30 CEST.

Barcelona have already paid tribute, saying he will always be part of the club's story.