Barcelona legend Pedro offers to return as he explains main reason Xavi's team are failing to live up to expectations

The three-time European champion left for Chelsea back in 2015 following a trophy-laden seven years with Barca's senior team. Barca did enjoy La Liga and Super Cup success last term, but their performances have dipped alarmingly this season. Pedro has admitted he would love to retire in Catalunya, while coming up with a firm explanation for the club's recent issues.

The 36-year-old told Beteve's La Porteria: "If they tell me and Xavi calls me, before he hangs up and regrets it, I'll come. Barca is my home, that does not mean that I do not defend 100% the club where I am now [Lazio]. Barca is my team, it is very complicated for me to return, due to many factors, due to age, but I would love to. Retiring from Barca would be spectacular, but since I see it as far away and difficult , it's something I'm not even thinking about."

The former Blaugrana star explained that he thinks the group are doing "generally well", but pointed towards the fact that "the club are experiencing a delicate situation financially". Pedro insisted that young stars such as Lamine Yamal, Gavi and Pedri have "very good potential and talent" and must "form the backbone of the team in a few years". In any case, the Lazio star doubled down on his support for the Barca boss, adding: "I have a lot of confidence in Xavi. He is a coach who gives everything, he has very good ideas of what he wants to do, which is to take Barca as high as possible".

Despite backing from ex-professionals and, thus far, the Barca board, the pressure building on Xavi has been palpable. The Blaugrana manager hit out at his players after their defeat to Shakhtar last week saw them lose their hold over Group H in the Champions League. In La Liga, meanwhile, they were stunned at home by rivals Real Madrid last month, as leaders Girona maintain a four point gap between themselves and Barca in third.

Both player and manager are afforded a short rest period as club football breaks for international fixtures. When domestic action resumes, Pedro and Lazio will take on Salernitana in Serie A on November 25, while Xavi and Barca will face Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on the same day.