Chelsea
forward Pedro says he has held initial talks about a return to Barcelona
after just a single season at Stamford Bridge.
The 28-year-old, who is currently on international duty with Spain at Euro
2016, was signed for £22m from Barca last summer, but struggled to make an
impact during his debut season in the Premier League.
Italy boss Antonio Conte will become Chelsea head coach following the
conclusion of Euro 2016 and his first job could be to convince Pedro to
remain at the club.
"Hopefully (I can return to Barcelona) but I know it's hard," Pedro told
beIN Sports.
"I have already spoken about it with the president (Josep Maria Bartomeu)
when we (Barcelona) were in the (Cup) final (when Barcelona beat Sevilla 2-0
last month) and spoke to all the people who want me there.
"It's complicated, but I've always said that I would like to retire at
Barcelona. However, I know it's difficult because the years go by and the
club has the best players in the world, it is a very demanding club and to
return is complicated. But I do not rule it out either."
Pedro, who has three years left on his current contract at Chelsea, came
through the youth ranks at Barcelona and won five La Liga titles and three
Champions League crowns.
"I had been 11 or 12 years in Barcelona, my family is from there and also
many friends. The fans loved me, I felt very valued around the club, and
it's always hard to leave the club of your dreams," he added.
"But I have explained before in the end I had to take this decision because
I saw that the possibilities (of playing) were low."
top