Chelsea attacking midfielder signs contract extension is a bit of news we’ve been eagerly awaiting for at least a year now ... and we shall continue patiently waiting for it as this is not it. This isn’t Eden Hazard signing a long-term contract.
Instead, this is Pedro signing a one-year extension with the Blues, tying him to the club until 2020. Perhaps I shouldn’t be so snarky. Pedro seems a lovely man, a great teammate, and while his directional compass is sometimes mis-calibrated, his effort can never be faulted.
Here to stay until 2020! @_Pedro17_ pic.twitter.com/MLq8y8dta1
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 3, 2018
Pedro recently turned 31, so he certainly falls under Chelsea’s over-30 rule when it comes to new contracts. He thus receives the customary one-year extension, a mutually beneficial arrangement that guarantees Pedro another year of solid income and Chelsea a transfer fee, should he decide to move on next summer.
“It is very good for me, I am really happy here in the club, with my team-mates, the supporters and the club in general. It’s important for me to continue with Chelsea, I am comfortable here and want to win new titles and trophies. I want to help the team, score goals, and I repeat, I am really happy.”
-Pedro; source: Chelsea FC
It’s hard to believe, but Pedro’s been at Chelsea for three seasons now, starting off under the worst circumstances in the “Mourinho Season” but then playing a key role as Antonio Conte 3-4-3’d his way to the title, with Pedro more often than not starting opposite Eden Hazard, on the right wing. Last season, both Pedro and Willian took on reduced roles as Conte switched formations, but the former Barcelona lucky charm remained one of the few big name players in the team to not throw a fit — not even a veiled one, even when playing out of position as a third midfielder — as Conte’s foundations crumbled to the ground. Now, as one of the few senior players to experience Sarri-ball from day one, Pedro looks set for an important role once again, certainly for the first few games of the new season.
“We are very happy to secure Pedro’s services for another year. Since becoming a Chelsea player he has regularly demonstrated his quality on the field and we look forward to seeing him continue to flourish under the guidance of Maurizio Sarri.”
-Marina Granovskaia; source: Chelsea FC
With 28 goals in 131 games, Pedro, now an elder statesman of the squad, has proven a solid signing (bonus gazumping of Manchester United is also a plus). Having scored 2 of Chelsea’s 3 goals this preseason, could prove a surprise contributor in the months ahead.
Congrast, Pedrito! Let’s win some more things.