Pedri talks Ballon d’Or ambitions, Xavi, Messi, life in Barcelona after Kopa Trophy win | OneFootball

It has been a special year for Barcelona midfield prodigy Pedri. After having won the Best Young Player of the Year award at the UEFA Euro 2020, the 19-year-old recently bagged the Golden Boy Award for 2021.

The crowning glory, though, came this past Monday as he won the Kopa Trophy 2021 at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. An award given to the best Under-21 footballer in the world, voted for by former Ballon d’Or winners, Pedri beat the likes of Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Mason Greenwood, Jeremy Doku among others to lift the trophy.

The midfielder sat down with France Football for an interview (h/t Barca Universal) during which he answered various questions ranging from his upbringing to his ambitions with Barcelona and experiences of playing with some of the greats of the game.

On starting his football journey: “My father told me I am a better footballer than he ever was already. I didn’t watch him play, but it’s clear that the love for the sport runs in our genes. I started playing football at 3 years old. I was a center back, then an attacker at some point. Today, I obviously became a midfielder. I like to assist, making things easy for others.“

On his career ambitions: “My dream is to win the Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain. But I’m not gonna lie, when I was little, I wanted to be a fireman.”

On his time at Las Palmas: “Without Las Palmas, I would not be talking to you today. Signing for that team was a natural choice for any canary island kid, it is the best team in Tenerife. I learned to appreciate how difficult the second division is. It was much tougher, some players depend on physique and less control. It is not like it is here at Barcelona.”

On joining Barcelona and playing with Messi: “When I came to Barcelona, I was nervous about meeting the team. I was welcomed by the captain (Messi), as well as Busquets and Jordi Alba. My whole world changed then.

“It’s so easy to play with Leo Messi. You can tell he is the best in the world. Every time you look around and he’s free, you pass it to him. He always knows what to do with the ball.”

Pedri celebrating with Lionel Messi (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

On life in the Canary Islands: “I am proud to embody the lifestyle of the Canary islands. We are people that are relaxed, and we love to practice our passion. In the islands, you will always see people who love life and smile. Everything is different from the rest of Spain that we know.”

On Xavi’s appointment: “Xavi has a very clear idea of football. I am sure that we will improve with him.”

On his day-to-day routine: “The beginning of my day is very simple. I wake up and go to training. Since Xavi’s arrival, we eat at the club. It was advised by a nutritionist. Then in the afternoon, if I’m tired, I rest.”

On fatigue and personal improvement: “I played a lot recently, I know that. But I love playing. I am always excited about the sport. I won’t complain about playing either. Sometimes you feel tired, and that’s when you listen to the specialists. It’s okay.”

“To improve, I go over full matches. I try to improve some details. They are easy to catch. For example, I have to have more presence in the final third. Also, I need to improve my shot power.”

Along with the interviewer, Pedri was also asked some questions from personalities in the game, including some of his Barcelona and Spain teammates, club president Joan Laporta, and Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi as well. Snippets from the Q&A follow below;

Joan Laporta: “Did you think you would ever be a Barcelona player? What goes through your head when you play?”

Pedri: “When I get the ball, I don’t think of anything else. There is no time for that. This is how I do better. If you overthink one or two things, you can’t do well.”

Pedri was the recipient of the 2021 Kopa Trophy (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)

Messi: “What match do you have special memories from?”

Pedri: “The game against Juventus in Turin. I remember beating them 2-0. It will always be special for me. I was playing one of my first Champions League matches and we played a great game.”

Gerard Piqué: “Some people say you have similarities with Xavi and Iniesta. What attribute do you want from each of them?”

Pedri: “Everything if possible. I’d like to have Xavi’s ability to move on the pitch. When he had the ball, it was impossible to take it from him. He is always at the right place at the right time. He always found solutions. As for Iniesta, his quality was outstanding. His one-two passes made everything easier for his teammates. These things have inspired me, and I try to do them.”

Sergio Busquets: “How did you live your passion for Barcelona as a kid?”

Pedri: “I used to watch matches with my father and 30 other Barça fans in my town. I had so many feelings watching the team lift so many titles, and we celebrated close to a fountain near my house.”

Kevin de Bruyne: “What prizes are you looking to win in the future?”

Pedri: “The Ballon D’or. But before thinking of individual awards, I want to win collective titles with the group. Winning the World Cup would be crazy, for example. I feel so proud of succeeding two monsters like Mbappé and De Ligt as winners of the Kopa award. Midfielders are not always used to individual awards. Iniesta, for example, never won the Ballon d’Or.”

Aymeric Laporte: “Can you assure us that you’re a better table tennis player than footballer?”

Pedri: “I’m pretty good myself. I love playing it. I practice with my father at home a lot.”

Eric García: “How has your life changed in Barcelona?”

Pedri: “Everything is different here. I lived in Las Palmas so quietly. Barça is my dream club, but I never knew the city at all. Everything has been happening so fast. I live with my brother, he’s very important for me. I really enjoy life in Barcelona. It is a very great city, especially the beaches. I couldn’t live without them!”

Pedri’s mother: “What do you want me to cook for you to celebrate your Kopa award?”

Pedri: “I don’t know. I should be the one learning how to cook. I have to learn how to make cakes. But whatever. Whatever you cook will make me happy.”