Barca said before the game that Pedro wanted to leave the club but the 28-year-old came on to win the trophy, just as he did in 2009, pouncing on a rebound from a Lionel Messi shot.
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Barcelona coach Luis Enrique feels his side were worthy winners of the UEFA Super Cup due to the effort they put in to see off Spanish rivals Sevilla 5-4 in Tbilisi.
‘The answer is no [I have not asked to leave], but it’s complicated for many things. It is not down to money as has been said and that is disrespectful. I don’t want to go but it’s a question of playing time, of continuity in the team, and it’s been this way for a few years now. “I don’t know what his decision will be but whatever it is, he’ll have my support”.
Pedro, who has scored 99 goals in 319 games for Barcelona, won five La Liga titles with the club. 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.
However, Pedro looks to be set on making the move away from Barcelona – with United his most likely destination – even while Liverpool have been strongly linked with the player in the past. Robert Fernandez said something he doesn’t know. We made a great effort and we’re very satisfied. “I barely talked with him“.
“I had a lot of anger at not being able to play this game but as I have always tried to be professional, go out and help”.
“I was angry when I knew I had to stay on the bench, having had a chance with Neymar’s illness”. Such people shouldn’t speak in this way.
“I’m calm, happy and I will always continue giving everything if I continue at this club”.
Speaking afterwards, Pedro was adamant the situation wasn’t as straightforward as him simply wanting to leave the European champions.
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Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano hopes that Pedro will decide to stay at the Camp Nou amid speculation that the Spaniard is on the brink of a move to Manchester United. Pedro has scored 99 goals in 319 games for Barcelona. “I am grateful for all of the experiences I have had at the club and for the fans”, he concluded.
