Sarri remembers Pedro: from Giroud to nine stars at career's twilight

The football world today celebrates the retirement of Pedro Eliezer Rodriguez Ledesma, 39, while at Chelsea the phrase by Maurizio Sarri “Giroud, him and nine others” is recalled, which summarises the midfielder’s importance in the 2019 lineup.

A farewell after five seasons at Lazio

Pedro, who spent the last five seasons with Lazio, announced on Instagram that he is hanging up his boots, thanking the club, teammates and fans for a career that has spanned more than two decades. The statement highlighted his satisfaction at having lived the football dream.

The bond with Maurizio Sarri

The relationship between Pedro and Sarri was described by the latter as one of the most intense of his career. Sarri coached Pedro twice: in the single season at Chelsea and then in Italy with Lazio, totaling 208 official appearances, more than those with Pep Guardiola. Pedro is the second most used player by Sarri, after Alessandro Hysaj.

A career studded with numbers

In his career, Pedro has amassed 792 matches, 187 goals and 26 trophies. With Barcelona he recorded 321 appearances, 99 goals and 20 titles, including five Spanish league championships, three Copa del Rey and three Champions League. In England, with Chelsea, he played more than 200 matches, scoring 43 goals and winning the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Europa League. In Italy, between Roma and Lazio, he totaled 247 matches and 45 goals.

The Spanish national team saw Pedro contribute with 17 goals in 65 appearances, taking part in the 2026 World Cup triumph and Euro 2012. The player’s words of thanks include: “Thank you to football for making me so happy” and “The moment is right for a new step”.

Barcelona, Chelsea and Lazio all honoured Pedro on their social media channels, describing him as an indelible part of their history and wishing him a peaceful future.