Former Chelsea star Pedro Rodriguez has become the first player in 40 years to make the rare move from AS Roma to bitter rivals SS Lazio.
The 34-year-old just arrived in the Italian capital last summer and left the Blues to join Giallorossi on a free transfer. However, despite the fact that he hit the ground at the Stadio Olimpico, he soon fought for form and lost his place in the side.
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Pedro’s overwhelming spell at Roma meant he was not part of Jose Mourinho’s plans this year, and he was free to find a new club for the coming season. And the Spaniard has acquired a new trait, even though he remains in the Italian capital.
Rome’s toughest rivals Lazio announced that they have signed Pedro on a two-year contract on Thursday, and he has been given the number nine shirt for Aquile.
The transfer sees the former Barcelona man become the first player in 40 years to make the direct switch, where he will collaborate with Maurizio Sarri, who he played during during the couple’s time at Stamford Bridge.
Pedro joins a select group of players who have dared to wear both jerseys in the two Italian capital clubs, with the latest example being Aleksandar Kolarov.
The Inter man spent three years at Lazio before signing for Manchester City in 2010, but returned to Serie A with Roma after seven years in the Premier League.
Pedro got a contract with Roma until the summer of 2023, but the club has allowed him to leave for free in an attempt to lower his real salary. He would have cost Giallorossi another £ 7 million over the next two seasons, and once Mourinho had decided he had a surplus to the requirements, it became important to remove his salary from the books.
