Pedro: ‘I tried to convince Messi & De Gea to join Lazio’ | OneFootball

Pedro has bid an emotional farewell to Lazio after playing his final match for the club against Pisa on Saturday evening, signing off with a goal in a comeback victory as the Spaniard’s adventure in the Italian capital came to an end.

Speaking to the club’s official channels before the game, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the former Barcelona and Chelsea winger was candid and warm throughout, reflecting on a journey defined by deep affection for the club’s supporters, and revealing some remarkable attempts to recruit former teammates to the Biancocelesti cause.

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – JUNE 14: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina looks on during the first half against Guatemala at Commanders Field on June 14, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Pedro reveals Messi, De Gea and Jordi Alba among players he tried to bring to Lazio

“I always tried,” Pedro said when asked whether he had ever come close to convincing a former teammate to join.

“Even with Messi, obviously it was not easy (laughs). Then Jordi Alba and De Gea when they were free agents. I also remember speaking about Bartra with Sarri. And David Luiz. I would have loved to let them experience the passion of our fans.”

On the season’s difficulties, which included lengthy periods with the Olimpico largely empty due to the fan boycott, Pedro was equally honest.

“Playing without their support was difficult,” he said. “Doing well with an empty stadium is impossible. We went through hard moments and it was not easy to watch the situation that developed between the fans, the squad and the club.”

Pedro reserved particular praise for Maurizio Sarri, placing him second only to Pep Guardiola among the coaches he has worked under.

He also called for unity as his parting message. “The first thing is to find union again between the squad, fans and club, all pulling in the same direction,” he said. “I am certain that in a few years Lazio will return to winning trophies and fighting for Europe. And I hope to come back one day to help.”