Pedro hoping to return to Barcelona

Chelsea winger Pedro may have only just joined the Blues at the top of the 2015-16 campaign, but the Spanish international is already dreaming of a return to former club Barcelona.

Pedro joined a Chelsea team in turmoil last season, with manager Jose Mourinho departing after a long, drawn out saga that saw the Blues suffer in the Premier League standings.

His playing time was limited, as fellow right-winger Willian commanded a starting role, but Pedro still managed to make 29 appearances and score seven goals.

Still, when asked if he'd like to return to Barcelona, Pedro didn't dance around the topic.

"I hope so," he told beIN Sports, according to ESPN FC. "I know it is difficult. I spoke with the president (Josep Bartomeu) when we saw each other at the Copa del Rey final and I also spoke with all my friends there.

"It is complicated, but I have always said that I would have liked to retire at Barca. I know it is difficult as the years go by and Barca have the best players in the world. It is a very demanding club. To return is difficult, but I would not rule it out."

It seems almost strange for a player, who came up through the club's youth ranks, to seek a move away only to dream of a return. The 28-year-old Pedro knew his playing time was limited, however, with Luis Suarez, Neymar, and Lionel Messi forming the attacking trio for the Blaugrana.

"I spent 11 or 12 years in Barcelona, my family is from there and also many friends," Pedro said. "The fans loved me a lot, I felt very valued by the club, and it is always difficult to leave the club of your dreams. In the end I had to take the decision as I could see that my chances were running out."