Pedri: "My reference is Iniesta and now I look at De Jong"

Signing young players is an increasingly widespread practice among the big clubs, which are committed to detecting early talent to try to save themselves paying millions after years. Last summer, FC Barcelona opted for the signing of Pedri González, a talented 17-year-old attacking midfielder from the UD Las Palmas who stayed on loan with the same team until next summer.

In a recent interview for Mundo Deportivo, he spoke about his past, present and future. He acknowledged that, although he is fully focused on playing with Las Palmas, he cannot help but think of Barça. "It is inevitable. It is the club I have always wanted to sign for, it has been the club of my dreams since I was little. Sometimes I think: 'If I could stay ...', but I have to be focused on finishing in Las Palmas, if the competition finally resumes. What has to come will come, "he said.

In fact, several First Division clubs and even Ajax in Amsterdam have been interested in taking over their services and have asked FC Barcelona about their possible transfer for next season. However, the young playmaker is clear that "what has to come, will come. I do not have to pay attention to that. With my family and my agents, I will look and decide."

Pedri has been a confessed culé since he was a child, something that runs in his family since his father was president of a club in Barça. It is natural, therefore, that its great references were Barça. "My first reference is Andrés Iniesta. I love his football and how smart he is on the field. For me how he plays is art. And now I love Frenkie de Jong and I look at him a lot," he confessed.

For the Canarian 'jewel', it is still an absolute dream to have the opportunity in the future to share costumes with stars that they admire. He stated that he has "posters, stickers, even quilts, plates, spoons ... at home we have everything from Barça. It is brutal that in a year I can come to be with them, although there is still a lot, but I think about it and I smile.

He did not hesitate before the offer of Barça

Pedri had several offers, including one from Real Madrid. However, the canary took little to decide and assured that he did not hesitate at any time when accepting the proposal of FC Barcelona. "Since I saw Barça I have not hesitated. I have always wanted it. That they call you makes you proud, but Barça is the team of my dreams and I would sign with my eyes closed again," he admitted.