Former Spain forward Pedro has announced his retirement at the age of 39, ending a 20-year career in which he won 25 major trophies.
The forward became a free agent in July after his contract with Lazio expired. He was part of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning team and started in the final against the Netherlands, while he also helped his country win Euro 2012.
“I feel it is time. The time to take a step forward and begin a new chapter in my life,” Pedro said in a statement on social media on Wednesday.
“I leave proud of having lived my dream and of all the people who stood by my side to make it a reality. Thank you, football, for making me so happy.”
Pedro came through into Barcelona’s first team in 2008 and enjoyed the most successful period of his club career under manager Pep Guardiola. He won 20 major trophies during his time with the Catalan club.
The Tenerife-born forward scored in Barcelona’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United in the 2011 Champions League final. He left the club in 2015 to join Chelsea.
Pedro won the Premier League title in his second season at Stamford Bridge. He later spent one season with AS Roma before moving across the city to Lazio, where he played the final five years of his career.
He made 794 appearances at club level and scored 197 goals. For Spain, Pedro scored 17 times in 65 appearances.