The Spaniard joined Chelsea last summer, but failed to make a significant impact as the Blues sank to one of their lowest league positions in recent years. The winger has now hinted at a possible return to the Camp Nou despite only recently making the switch to Stamford Bridge.
Former Barcelona star Pedro Rodriguez has hinted at a move back to his boyhood club after enduring a nightmare season with Chelsea in 2015-16. The 28-year-old winger made over 30 appearances for the Blues last season, but like most of his teammates, failed to live up to the fans’ expectations.
Pedro has now revealed that he has spoken to Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu about a possible move to the Camp Nou. The Spain international has three years left on his current Chelsea contract and there is no indication as yet as to whether he is part of Antonio Conte’s plans for next season.
“Hopefully [I can return to Barcelona], I know it’s difficult, I spoke with the president when we saw each other at the Cup final and I also spoke with all the people who love me there,” Pedro told beIN Sports.
“It’s complicated, but I’ve always said I would like to retire at Barca. The years have passed and Barca have some of the best players in the world, it’s a very demanding club and coming back is complicated, but I can’t rule it out.”
Same role, different club
Pedro was widely linked with a move to the Premier League in 2015, with Manchester United believed to be very interested in signing the Spaniard. However, it was their current manager Jose Mourinho and Chelsea who swooped in late and signed him for £21 million. It is believed that the main reason he left Barcelona was because of a lack of playing time.
However, the 28-year-old winger could face the same fate at Stamford Bridge with the arrival of Antonio Conte. The role of wingers at the club has been called into question given the Italian’s preference for a 3-5-2 formation.
Besides, Pedro’s return of seven goals in 36 appearances is not good enough to warrant a more active role up front as a forward, while he does not have the physicality or defensive nous to play as a fullback either. Just like at Barcelona, Pedro may find himself out of the first team picture once again.
