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Pedro Rodríguez has been an important part of FC Barcelona's recent success. His versatility, goal-scoring ability and work-rate always impressed. Although last season wasn't the best, which led him to be linked with a possible move away from Camp Nou, Pedro is staying at Barça and he's eager to do his best next season.
He spoke on a press conference at St. George's Park, the England's national team facilities. Pedro is impressed with the location, calling it "an incredible and spectacular structure". He also talked about many topics, including the transfer rumors, his conversation with club's sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta and with new manager Luis Enrique. Luis Suárez and other topics were also covered.
Here's a few highlights of his answers:
Decision to stay:
"I talked to Zubizarreta and he told me they counted on my services. Luis Enrique came in, and he knows what I can do. The club also showed they trust me. Those are the main reasons why I've decided to stay. My goal is to stay here for many years to come.
There were some clubs interested, but none of them made a formal offer.
Zubi was honest with me, and I liked it. He told me how he really felt, didn't hide anything. That helped a lot. I wanted to stay, that's the club of my life.
Of course last season wasn't the best. I didn't feel good many times, and the coach didn't want to put me in, sometimes. But that's ok. Now I'm happy and calm."
Luis Enrique and the new team:
"He hasn't changed. He is still a great coach, has the same philosophy and he keeps the physical intensity on practices. That will never change. That worked in the other clubs he has coached, like Roma and Celta. I hope it works here too and we can have a great year together.
The changes won't have any negative effects on us. It's good to have a new squad, a better squad. We have a solid base, that has worked together for a long time now and with the new guys coming in, we're going to have more confidence as time goes on. The best thing is that everyone's here to win championships. That's good mentality for a club like Barcelona. We all have this ambition to win and be the best team in Europe again.
Yeah, I'll play wherever Lucho wants me to. If it's as a forward, I'm comfortable already. If he wants me as a full-back, I'll do it too. I've trained as a right-back for Del Bosque at Spain. I can do it here too. No problem. Takes a little time to adpat, but I'll do it."
Luis Suárez:
"It's a harsh penalty to me, but it's better for us to stay quiet about this. The club will do his best to have him as part of the squad as soon as possible. I'll wait for him and I think it's a great addition. Which club doesn't want the best players? I know I can learn from him, and I don't worry about competing for that position with him. As long as we're all learning from each other, it's a good thing."
Cesc Fábregas:
"It's a great, fantastic player, one of the best in the world. He's an assistant, all he does is give the forwards goals. Chelsea needs that and it's a great addition to them. I wish him the best, as a good friend of mine."
