Pedro Rodriguez has reflected that Lionel Messi’s fourth Ballon d’Or may not be the last title he wins, as he is the ‘best player ever’.
Messi was handed a fourth successive Player of the Year accolade on Monday evening and teammate Pedro was asked today to pick a particular moment from 2012, during which the Argentine broke the world record for goals scored in a calendar year.
“It is very difficult to choose a moment with him, I have shared a lot with Messi. I have the good fortune to work with him day to day,” the forward told reporters at today’s Press conference.
“He’s the best player ever and it is a pleasure to win titles with him, I could not pick a particular moment.
“He’s a great player and a person who does not give importance to what he achieves and that is very important. I will tell my children that I was privileged to play with the best in the world.
“If he continues at this rate he will win many more because he is breaking all the records and every year is surpassing himself. We hope he continues at the same level, he is very important for us.”
Notably, neither Spain’s Coach Vicente del Bosque or captain Iker Casillas voted for Messi.
“Maybe they voted more for the season that the Spanish team had had and voted for Spanish players who also deserved it. But the prize has been awarded by the majority and there is no doubt.
“Xavi and Iniesta? They are players who are always there, with a brilliant career full of titles. We would also like that Spanish players won the award, but Leo has won. For us it is important that our players are nominated.
“And me? Any player would like to be at that gala and nominated. I know it is very difficult, I have to keep doing my job but it is very complicated.”
Pedro ended a goal drought at club level of over 20 games last weekend with a double in the Catalan derby win over Espanyol.
“I was on a poor streak and to get a goal gives you confidence. The other day I was very comfortable and I hope that with the goals I can continue along this line.
“I’ve relaxed a bit. It was said that I was playing well but it had been a long time since I had scored, and it came the other day.
“There were moments of despair, but my teammates and the Coach gave me confidence. I feel loved, valued at Barcelona and I hope I can be here for many years.
“Rumours of a departure? When you do not have a great campaign people talk a lot, I’m at the best club in the world and it is normal to hear rumours, but I’m very happy here.”
