Despite scoring the winning-goal for Barcelona in their thrilling 5-4 UEFA Super Cup win over Sevilla in Tbilisi on Tuesday, forward Pedro Rodriguez is still unsure where his future lies.
[ VIDEO: Which PL teams need new players? ]
Pedro, 28, has been linked with a move to Manchester United all summer and the Spanish international attacker has dropped the biggest hint yet that he could be leaving the Nou Camp in the coming days.
Following reports that Pedro told club technical secretary Robert Fernandez that he wanted to leave, the diminutive attacker denied saying that but admitted to being angry at not starting in the Super Cup final.
[ MORE: Latest transfer news ]
Pedro also said any potential move would not be about money but playing time and when asked if he wanted to leave Barca, here’s what he had to say.“The answer is no. But it is a difficult, complicated situation. When you know you may leave, it is difficult,” Pedro said. “The truth is that I had a good chance to play [in the Super Cup]. The coach has decided not to count on me. I don’t know, I don’t know if I will continue here.”
“Manchester? Yes, there are nice challenges on all sides. Today I’m here, and I’m happy. And if I go, I will go with my head held high having always given everything.”
The main stumbling block over this move is Pedro’s release clause of around $30 million. Barcelona is said to want the entire fee up front, no messing around with installments, while United are said to be shirking on handing over that cash. Pedro’s release clause was reduced earlier this summer to $30 million as the player played an average of just 43 minutes per appearances last season, as Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez led Barcelona’s run to securing the treble.
Pedro’s 11-year stint at Barcelona seems to be coming to an end and his possible arrival at United alongside Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young, Juan Mata and Memphis Depay will be greatly welcomed by Louis van Gaal as he looks to increase his attacking options with a push for success in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League this season.
