Pedro opens up on ‘hard and difficult time’ at Chelsea, remains ‘calm’ about future

Here’s a number that may not be readily apparent. Pedro is just 8 games shy of 200 for his Chelsea career. Considering that he only joined at age 28, and plays in a position that favors the young and the bold, that’s nothing to sneeze at. Factor in his nearly 1-in-4 strike rate, his standout contributions to our last title win, and his overall loveliness (much nicer out of a Barcelona shirt), and Chelsea’s (up to) €30m investment in 2015 seems money at least very decently spent. That we gazumped Manchester United to do so just makes it all that sweeter.

Chelsea tacked on an extra year to Pedro’s initial four-year contract at the start of Sarri-ball, but no such provision appears to be incoming now, especially with the veteran trophy collector hardly getting a kick of the ball at the bottom of the winger pecking order under Lampard. His surprise start against West Ham United last weekend showcased mostly negative qualities, such as the aimless running or the dangerous midfield turnovers, and it’s practically a foregone conclusion that he’s heading towards the exit, perhaps as early as next month now that Chelsea can bring in new players if deemed necessary.

Pedro himself seems ready to tackle the next chapter of his playing career, with several offers apparently already waiting for him.

“Yes there are offers, there are always clubs that are interested and that is a joy. [Whether in Spain or elsewhere] that is good news.”

“Nobody knows what can happen. I still have years to play but you’re thinking about what things are going on. I’m running out of contract at Chelsea, I’m free and we’ll see what happens.”

Never one to cause any discord, Pedro has continued to behave with the utmost professionalism as his minutes have dwindled. He readily admits that it’s a new situation for him — as such situation always are for older players who had been used to starting the majority of games throughout their careers — but he trusts that Chelsea aren’t going to do him dirty. I’d guess that means that if he wants to leave in January, we won’t be putting up many roadblocks.

“[It’s been a] hard and difficult time [but] I am calm because in the club they have always treated me in the best way; also the same with the fans and teammates. You have to keep working to take advantage when you have opportunities. Yes, it is a difficult time because I had never lived it.

”For us it has been a transition season because Chelsea were not able to sign and have opted for young players, who [in fairness] are of the [required] level. Frank Lampard is betting on them and perhaps it is the reason that he had fewer opportunities despite starting well.”

-Pedro; source: El Dorsal via Google Translate

Pedro’s time at Stamford Bridge is ending. But whether that end comes in January or in June, we can be thankful to and grateful for the little man from Tenerife for his years of service to the club.