Lionel Messi (right) and Pedro celebrate a goal for Barcelona. The Chelsea winger said he will miss both. PHOTO/File
MADRID, September 9- Pedro Rodriguez admits he will miss his former Barcelona team-mates, and Lionel Messi in particular, following his off-season move to Chelsea.
Pedro had been strongly linked with Manchester United throughout the recently-concluded transfer period, but eventually joined the Blues in a £19 million transfer.
After scoring on his debut against West Bromwich Albion, much is expected from the three-time Champions League winner as Jose Mourinho’s men look to gain momentum after a stuttering start to the defence of their Premier league title.
And, despite the forward hitting the ground running in England, Pedro admits it is a strange feeling not to be surrounded by the Barca players he shared a dressing room with for most of his career.
“Imagine on the pitch, after so much time, not being able to find Messi, [Jordi] Alba, Busi [Sergio Busquets] or Andres [Iniesta] it was strange,” the 28-year, who won 20 trophies in all competitions with Barca, told El Pais.
“Luckily, if [Vicente] Del Bosque wants, I will be able to continue playing with them for Spain, but Leo I’m going to miss a lot.”
Pedro, who made his debut for Barcelona is 2007, scored 99 goals in 321 appearances before his move to Chelsea.
