Pedro: I don’t want to leave, but…

Pedro Rodriguez has admitted to conflicting emotions as his Barcelona time comes to a close, insisting he doesn’t want to leave but wants to play regularly.

The winger came off the bench to score the goal that won the UEFA Super Cup for the Catalans as Barca beat Sevilla 5-4 in extra time, having been expected to start in the absence of Neymar, stricken by the mumps.

“When you know you can leave it’s a complicated situation. I had a lot of anger at not being able to play this game but I’ve always tried to be professional, to go out there and help the team,” he said, AS reports, after technical director Robert Fernandez claimed Pedro had asked to leave Barca.

“I wanted to play this match and had more chance to do so with what happened to Neymar, to whom we also dedicate the trophy, but the Coach chose Rafinha.

“I finally got the goal but the work was done by the team and I’m happy for the victory. It’s a new trophy and one of the great moments to experience with this club.

“It’s different [than 2009’s success] because of the situation. It’s all we’re talking about. [Barca technical director] Robert Fernandez has made some very unfortunate comments, we’ve had some crossed words, and I don’t know what has happened to for him to speak this way about me.

“I talked to the President, with [Albert Soler, director of institutional relations], with Luis Enrique, with [director of football Raul Sanllehi]. I know I am and always will be Barca. People shouldn’t talk that way.

“Do I want to go? The answer is no. But it’s complicated by many things. Money isn’t one of them, despite what has been said, which is another disrespect. It’s a matter of playing regularly.

“I’m an ambitious player. But whether I stay or go, I’ll always be with this team.”

Tags Manchester United Pedro Rodriguez UEFA Super Cup
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