Pedro relieved to have made Euro party
Posted on June 9, 2012, Saturday
GNIEWINO, Poland: Spanish winger Pedro says after a season of mixed form partially blighted by injury he is grateful even to be at the Euros as the champions look to start off their title defence Sunday against Italy.
Coach Vicente Del Bosque included the Barcelona man in his 23-man squad but it was touch and go as the 24-year-old from the Canary Islands had to scrap to get on board.
“Given the season I have had I must say it was tough to make the final list – there were even moments when I saw myself not getting in,” admitted Pedro, who was in the victorious World Cup squad two years ago and played the opening hour of the final win over Holland.
Del Bosque kept faith with him despite other options such as Atletico Madrid’s promising forward Adrian Lopez and the youngster was able to clinch his berth not least with a brace in the Spanish Cup final win over Athletic Bilbao which saved Barca’s season in terms of silverware.
Del Bosque is an acknowledged fan in that he knows Pedro gan give some added width and help to open up opponents.
“We need people who can do an effective job down the flanks and that is the case with Pedro,” Del Bosque opined in confirming his squad.
Pedro has been looking in confident mood in early training sessions since arriving in Poland whether it be on the wing or in a more withdrawn role.
Asked if he believed he could hold down a place in the starting line-up Pedro – 16 caps to date – said: “I feel good at the moment and I think I am in the groove. Beyond that, it’s down to the coach but I think I can work 100 percent on being ready to do a job when the coach feels the time is right.” A renowned hard worker who is keen to buckle down to his task, to make the starting eleven he would have to battle past the likes of Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Juan Mata. But his presence shows his country’s strength in depth. — AFP
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