From the exotic and tranquil realm of Tenerife, to the daunting megalopolis of Barcelona. From the sizzling climate of Blaugrana to the incalculable, and often windswept, weather of South West London.
With AS Roma in his sights, the all-conquering Spanish General begins a new chapter of his fairy tale career to hit new heights.
It’s an end of an era. A last dance. An empty and eerie Stamford Bridge waved ‘hasta la vista’ to Pedro for the final time in a cameo performance as the Blues sealed Champions League qualification in style.
The Spanish winger will undoubtedly go down as a legend of the game and will be remembered for years to come at Chelsea.
Pedro joined the Blues from Barcelona in August 2015 for £24 million, before going on to win the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.
The 32-year-old Spaniard made 137 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, scoring 29 goals and providing 18 assists. Averaging just 59.5 minutes a game, Pedro offered his experience and professionalism on and off the pitch.
He was a serial winner with an incredible mindset who assisted the sculpting of a revitalised winning mentality at Cobham.
Match winner
The 2015/16 season was a season to forget for Chelsea fans, however, Pedro offered a glimmer of hope amongst the doom and gloom. Much of the in-house club politics seemed to be in turmoil, which later saw the dismissal of Jose Mourinho and the return of Guus Hiddink.
Pedro stood out, and was eager to make a difference. On his debut, and the opening day of the Premier League season, the Spaniard put the Blues in front before assisting the second to double Chelsea’s lead.
A fantastic first impression winning the hearts of many.
Unfortunately, Pedro was unable to singlehandedly save the Blues’ season. However, the 2010 World Cup winner would be back for revenge and redemption...
Key to success
Pedro’s second season at Stamford Bridge proved to be far more successful thanks to the arrival of ruthless Italian tactician, Antonio Conte.
Conte, previously manager of the Italy national team, had joined Chelsea off the back of a fairly successful Euro 2016 campaign.
The former Juventus midfielder and manager revolutionised the Premier League as he reintroduced the 3-4-3 formation with Chelsea. Alongside Conte’s tactics, Pedro was amongst one of the leaders on and off the field.
Chelsea’s number eleven produced his best goal contribution return for the Blues, recording 25 goals and assists in 43 games in all competitions. Pedro was paramount to the 2016/17 campaign and was labelled a ‘great player’ by Conte.
One of his most memorable moments as a Chelsea player came in his second season when he scored ‘that’ goal against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge. Spurs would go on to finish second in the league, further proving how vastly significant this strike was.
Pedro received the ball on the edge of the Spurs box with his back to goal. Moussa Demeble was in hot pursuit of the nimble winger, but after a lavish Cryuff turn, suddenly the Spaniard had opened up an avenue to shoot. Pedro then bended the ball into the top right corner past the flailing Hugo Lloris. Exemplary technique.
An exquisite goal peppered with class and seasoned with magic.
Completing his domestic double
In Pedro’s third season at Chelsea, he would go on to complete his domestic double by winning the FA Cup. The Canary Island-born footballing icon featured in all but the final of England's oldest cup competition.
The five time La Liga champion scored in the fifth round of the FA Cup against Hull City at Stamford Bridge. The quarter-final followed and so did Pedro’s fortunes. He scored off the bench in extra time against Leicester City at the King Power, spearheading the Blues’ semi-final surge.
Pedro, once again, was brought off the bench in the semi-final against Southampton. He was then to be a mere spectator from the sidelines in the final against Manchester United – of which the Blues won.
European superstar
The 2018/19 season saw Roman Abramovich replace Conte with Italian counterpart Maurizio Sarri. A change at the helm saw Pedro shuffled down the pecking order – now the Spaniard was just a squad rotation player.
However, this meant Pedro would become a frequent starter in Sarri’s Europa League campaign.
Pedro featured in all but one of the Blues’ European fixtures, directly contributing towards eight goals in 14 games.
The Spaniard was a force to be reckoned with in the competition which struck fear into the best of sides; a goal against Eintracht Frankfurt and a goal against Arsenal in the final.
Pedro proved he could still offer something to Chelsea…
An injury ridden farewell
A great trait of Pedro’s that soon became evident throughout his time a Chelsea was his professionalism and ability to adapt to various managers and demands without any qaulms.
After just one season in SW6, Sarri left for Juventus meanwhile Frank Lampard took the hot seat.
With a transfer ban and no Eden Hazard, the opportunity for Pedro to bow out in style at the Bridge was there for the taking. The stage was set.
However, due to an unfortunate run of prolonged injuries, Pedro was only able to feature eleven times in the Premier League; eight of which he started and three of which he was introduced as a substitute.
Lampard recognised the importance of utilising Pedro and his position in an inexperienced changing room, handing the winger the captain’s armband in the EFL Cup against Grimsby Town.
Unfortunately for Pedro, his final season may not have ended how he would have liked.
No Chelsea fan will forget his wriggling circus like runs, lavish touches and incredible energy...
The Blaugrana legend will travel to the capital of Italy ahead of next season knowing his value at the Bridge will always be held in high regard.