Pedro: South Africa return great

Pedro Rodriguez has enthused as Spain’s return this week to South Africa, mused on hopes in Brazil next summer and supported Cristiano Ronaldo against Sepp Blatter.

The Barcelona forward is part of the squad out in Africa for the November international break and on Tuesday set to play at Soccer City, the venue that they won the 2010 World Cup Final at.

“There is a great joy to return,” Pedro has enthused to Marca this week in anticipation.

“We can remember a great moment, something unforgettable, whilst we also want to play a good game against South Africa and leave with a win.

“That game in 2010 has a lot of memories – the images coming out of the tunnel before the national anthems, Andres Iniesta’s goal, is there time to go through everything? And of course, on the stage with the trophy.

“The final was an exciting game, with great chances for both teams, but I think that we were better and deserved to win.

“Next summer? We are champions, it is true, but there are great teams, motivated, as we saw in the Confederations Cup with Brazil.

“We will go there with humility and with the intent to return once more as champions.”

Pedro, who enthused at the possibility of Diego Costa’s involvement with the national team and mused on how Vicente del Bosque has helped him grow as a player, commented also on Sepp Blatter’s recent words about and impersonation of Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I did not like that, his actions were not good. He should be respected. I understand that people will have their preferences, but you have to show them respect and he was not good.

“I hope Messi wins the Ballon d’Or because he is my teammate and because, from my point of view, he is the best in the world.”

Tags Blatter Messi Pedro Ronaldo Spain
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