A new Pedro Lazio contract has been offered after the 37-year-old’s dazzling performances at the Stadio Olimpico this season.
The legendary winger is one of the most decorated soccer players of all time. Between 2008 to 2015, Pedro scored 99 goals in 321 appearances for Barcelona.
During his stint at the Nou Camp, the star lifted every major domestic club competition trophy on offer. He was also part of the Spain national roster who won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2012 European Championship.
After completing a move to Chelsea, Pedro helped the English giants win the Premier League, Europa League and the FA Cup. When he left London in 2020, Pedro joined Roma.
He only spent one season with the Giallorossi before making the switch across the capital where he established himself as a fans favorite with the Aquile faithful.
A New Pedro Lazio Contract Is On The Table
As fans decipher all the possible Serie A permutations going into GW38 in Italy’s elite division, Lazio supporters will be hoping that Pedro pens a contract extension at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Aquile currently occupies sixth spot in the rankings but Marco Baroni’s charges still have a chance to finish inside the top four. Therefore guaranteeing Champions League soccer next season.
However, Pedro will still likely increase his stay no matter where Baroni’s side finishes. During the current campaign, Pedro has scored an impressive 14 times across 43 appearances.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the new one-year contract is ready to be signed. However, there hasn’t been any clarification if Lazio will look to include an option to extend until 2027.
That in itself is largely down to Pedro’s age. He turns 38 in July and naturally, plans of retiring would have been discussed between himself and the club.
As it stands, Pedro reportedly pockets approximately $2.5million per year. It’s understood that a pay cut is a genuine possibility but a lot hinges on whether Lazio will be playing in Europe next year.
Baroni’s side take on relegation-threatened Lecce on May 25. A win will guarantee continental soccer but the competition will then be determined on the day.
Lazio President Claudio Lotito Aims Dig At Roma
With Pedro on the brink of penning a new deal, Lazio president Claudio Lotito couldn’t resist hitting out at arch rivals Roma.
The Giallorossi signed the Spaniard in 2020 when he left Chelsea. However, Pedro struggled with injuries and had several run-ins with head coach Paulo Fonseca.
Fonseca was replaced by Jose Mourinho at the end of the 2020-21 season but the maverick Portuguese boss omitted Pedro from his squad.
That paved the way for the winger to move across Rome to the Aquile. Pedro was the first player since Astutillo Malgioglio in 1985 to move directly between the Derby della Capitale rival clubs.
Now, Lotito explained his surprise at Pedro serving such little time at Roma: “I don’t understand how Roma let such a great player slip away. He will be the one to decide whether to continue or not.”
On GW37, Pedro scored both goals as Lazio and Inter played out a 2-2 draw at the San Siro. His second came from the penalty spot in the 90th minute.
