The Barcelona star opens up on his failed effort to join Real Madrid when he was younger.
Since his senior debut for Barcelona in September 2020, Pedri has enjoyed an incredible rise to prominence.
The Spaniard has made 56 senior appearances for Barcelona, more than any other Barca player in this period. He also played for Spain during their Euro 2020 campaign as they reached the semi-finals of the continental tournament. After the Euros, Pedri joined Spain’s U-23 squad at the Tokyo Olympics, where they finished as runner-ups.
Barcelona fans are delighted to have the Spanish star in their squad. However, he could have easily ended up at Real Madrid if he had a different performance in their trial.
“When I was 15 years old they called me for a test, but that day there was huge snowfall and it had to be postponed,” Pedri told Tuttosport (via AS).
“The next day, I took part in some light training with the academy side. Maybe they already had their idea about me, so I went back to Tenerife. However, I would not have rejected Madrid. Opportunities must be seized, however they come.
“Let’s just say something happened, a combination of negative circumstances, and they were the ones that didn’t want to sign me.”
‘It was a dream to play with Messi’
Barcelona signed Pedri in 2019, but loaned him out to Las Palmas immediately. After spending a year at the club, Pedri was ready to start his journey at Camp Nou.
Pedri linked up with Lionel Messi as they formed a strong attacking dou last season. However, the Argentine icon left to join Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
Asked about his experience of playing alongside Messi, Pedri responded:
“Playing with him was a dream. I was three years old when he won the Golden Boy. He will always be a legend for Barca fans, and for me it is an honour to have received his advice,” Pedri added.
“What young player would not like advice from someone like him? He congratulated me and told me never to give up. If someone like him tells you that, what can you do at 17? All you can do is obey.”
Pedri will not be able to play again for Barcelona this year due to injury. However, Xavi Hernandez has insisted he counts on Pedri as a key player when he completes his recovery process.
Following their bitter Champions League defeat against Bayern Munich, Barcelona will face Osasuna in their next league gem on Sunday.
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