Chelsea winger Pedro may still be under contract at Stamford Bridge, but he’s “unwilling” to finish the season with the Blues according to The Athletic. The World Cup winner has not signed a short term deal to extend his contract past June 30th. Instead, he has already agreed to join AS Roma this summer.
REPORT: Pedro Set to Finish Season With Chelsea Early
Pedro Says ‘Adios’
Chelsea will play three games before Pedro’s contract expires at the end of the month. This weekend, they travel to Aston Villa and then host Manchester City in the Premier League. Then they face Leicester in the FA Cup quarterfinal at the King Power stadium.
Possibly inspired by new Chelsea forward Timo Werner, Pedro could be unlikely to feature in any of them.
“Pedro does not want to sign anything with Chelsea. He is reluctant to play for the club again for fear of picking up an injury and missing out on a payday worth £2.9 million a year in Rome (£56,000/week),” The Athletic reported.
The Blues have a heavy workload over the next couple of months in three competitions. Unfortunately, they will have to finish the Premier League, which stretches into July, the FA Cup, and Champions League in August without the trophy-laden winger.
Amicable Parting
Chelsea and Pedro had agreed, maybe informally, months ago that he would leave the club this year. Turning 33 next month and with a plethora of wide attackers at the club is a combination that has slowly ushered him out the door.
Over the past few months, Pedro has been in contact with Roma, as well as MLS’ Inter Miami and Valencia for a possible return to La Liga. Roma seems to provide him with the best opportunity to play for a few more seasons.
Pedro Pure Class
Chelsea paid Barcelona £21.4 million in 2015 for the Spaniard who has won every competition under the sun for both club and country. And although the Blues won’t recoup any money in terms of a transfer, they more than benefited from his services the past five seasons.
He netted 43 goals in more than 200 games with the west London side and played key roles in one Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League triumph each.
Pedro is leaving Chelsea the same way he left Barcelona – with more medals around his neck and a smile on his face after serving the club well.
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