Pedro never goes out of style: a stunning goal and an assist… at nearly 39 years old.
‘San’ Pedro Rodríguez (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 1987) continues to work ‘miracles’. The former Barcelona, Chelsea, and Roma star came to Lazio’s rescue against Udinese (3-3). Substituted in at halftime with his team trailing 0-1, he ultimately salvaged a point ‘in extremis’. The Spanish international scored the 2-1 in the 80th minute with a powerful shot to the far post from outside the box, then delivered a cross-shot that Daniel Maldini deflected in for the final 3-3 in the 95th minute.
His goal came with a ‘bonus’. Since joining in 2020-21, Lazio’s number 9 is the player who has scored the most goals (17) coming off the bench in Serie A, tying with Lautaro Martínez.
Now on the verge of turning 39, his contract expires in June, making his future uncertain. “Can he stay? You have to ask him, it’s his decision,” says Maurizio Sarri, who nonetheless highlights his ‘game changer’ status: “He’s a champion of extraordinary caliber. It’s difficult for him to play 90 minutes, but his feet are still the same.”
“Can he stay? You have to ask him, it’s his decision.” — Maurizio Sarri
“I love being here. I never thought I would end my career at this historic club that holds me in such high regard,” Pedro admitted last season right after signing his renewal with the ‘eagles’. He also voiced a wish: “I would love to win a trophy with Lazio. It would be wonderful for my career and, above all, for all the ‘biancocelesti’ fans.”
He is on the verge of achieving it. Lazio will face Inter on May 13 in the Coppa Italia final. “As long as I play for Lazio, I will give everything for this shirt and this family,” insists Pedro. Whether as a starter or coming off the bench, the Spaniard is a ‘sure thing’.
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