"My departure from Barca was difficult" - Ex-Barcelona star aims dig at Luis Enrique over his exit
Pedro has lifted the lid on his Barcelona departure and seemingly blamed former manager Luis Enrique for his exit nine years ago. The Spanish attacker rose through the Catalans' youth ranks before becoming a prominent member of their senior team.
The 36-year-old Lazio forward addressed leaving the Blaugrana during a recent interview. He felt he had the support of the La Liga giants and their president but not his coach (via Barca Universal):
"My departure from Barca was difficult because it was the club of my life and I had been there for many years. The president was with me, but the coach? Not so much."
Pedro made 321 appearances during his time at Camp Nou, posting 99 goals and 62 assists. The 65-cap Spain international won 21 major trophies, including three UEFA Champions League trophies and five La Liga titles.
Enrique arrived at Barcelona in July 2014 and still handed Pedro game time, albeit not as a consistent starter. The Spaniard made 70 appearances under his fellow countryman, registering 22 goals and nine assists.
Speculation over a potential exit grew heading into the 2015 summer transfer window. He was linked with a move to Chelsea and Manchester United and eventually joined the Blues in a €27 million deal.
Luis Enrique gave a telling response to Pedro's situation ahead of his Barcelona exit
Enrique downplayed the controversy that was ensuing from Pedro's transfer saga before he moved to Chelsea. The Spanish tactician admitted the winger was in a complicated situation because he wanted more first-team opportunities. He said (via Sky Sports) in 2015:
"He (Pedro) wants to stay but he also wants to have more minutes. I will continue to play those that I think are best for each match."
Enrique looked to calm tensions that grew when Pedro hit back at a club official for claiming he had pushed to leave Barcelona:
"I will not get involved in any more controversy. He is a player that is loved by everyone."
Pedro was a more prominent member of Chelsea's team after arriving later that summer. He spent five years at Stamford Bridge, making 206 appearances and managing 43 goals and 26 assists.
The former Barcelona winger has not returned to Spanish football since leaving the Catalans. He's currently at Lazio in Serie A, where he has a year left on his contract, but he admitted last November he'd jump at a reunion with his former club.