Football
Liam Twomey, Chelsea correspondent 8y

Pedro keen to continue playing for Spain despite Euro 2016 outburst

Chelsea winger Pedro Rodriguez insists he has no desire to stop playing for Spain, and says Vicente del Bosque's decision to step down as manager after Euro 2016 is "bad news" for the national team.

Spain exited the tournament after a 2-0 defeat to Antonio Conte's Italy at the round-of-16 stage in France, but not before Pedro -- who found himself limited to a substitute's role by new Manchester City signing Nolito -- had sparked controversy by suggesting it was not worth his time to turn up and sit on the bench for his country.

Pedro's comments attracted widespread criticism in Spain and he was subsequently forced to defend his comments in a news conference. But in the wake of Spain's elimination, he is adamant that he does not want to retire from international football.

"Of course I want to keep playing with the national team," Pedro told Spanish TV station Cuatro. "I have been here for six years and I want to continue. All players are delighted to defend their country. This chapter is already over for me."

Asked about his earlier comments, he added: "I'm not a trouble-maker nor did I upset the atmosphere, as people said. Many things are misinterpreted, and I cleared it up with the people I had to clear it up with.

"I am relaxed -- I know the type of person I am. There were no problems in the dressing room."

On Del Bosque's decision to resign after eight years in charge, Pedro said: "It is bad news. We enjoyed a lot with him and the legacy he leaves is impressive."

Pedro's future at Chelsea has also been the subject of speculation this summer after he refused to rule out the possibility of a return to Barcelona in an interview with beIN Sports, but the 28-year-old later conceded that a move back to Camp Nou this summer will be "almost impossible".

^ Back to Top ^