According to a report by Barca Universal on Thursday October 15, 2026, former Barcelona forward Pedro Rodriguez has reflected on how Pep Guardiola changed his career, explaining how the Manchester City manager gave him a crucial opportunity that helped shape his rise to the first team.

Pedro, who enjoyed a trophy-filled spell at Barcelona, recalled arriving from Tenerife as an ambitious youngster with little expectation of becoming a regular alongside some of football’s biggest stars.

Speaking to SPORT, the former Spain international explained that his turning point came in 2006, when Barcelona’s C team faced disbandment and players were competing for limited places in the reserve team. Guardiola called him into his office and told him he would be given an opportunity to prove himself.

Pedro admitted that he understood the importance of the moment and knew he had to work harder than his competitors to remain at the club.

He described that period as the season that changed his life, explaining that everything he learned from Guardiola helped him progress and establish himself in the senior team.

The former forward also praised Guardiola’s perfectionism, tactical intelligence and ability to adapt to different situations during matches, describing these qualities as what separates him from many other managers.

Despite his achievements, Pedro said he never imagined sharing the Barcelona dressing room with legendary players such as Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry. He also recalled receiving encouragement from senior teammates, including Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol, who urged him to build his own identity rather than try to replace anyone.

When asked to identify the greatest moment of his career, Pedro chose Barcelona’s 2011 Champions League final victory over Manchester United at Wembley. He scored the opening goal in the 3-1 win, helping Guardiola’s side secure European glory.

Pedro also highlighted Barcelona’s historic sextuple as an unforgettable achievement, acknowledging that choosing a single moment from such a successful career was difficult.