Pedri: 'I'm a fan who is lucky to play for Barça'

He speaks with youthful exuberance, but also experience after almost six years in the first team. He is now one of the main voices in the dressing room. Both humble and ambitious, Pedri states his love for Barça as he goes through a great spell.

You joined Barça aged 17 years old and you are close to turning 23 and have become one of the longest serving members of the team. In fact, you are the fifth captain. Do you feel like one of the leaders in the dressing room?
I have been through a lot of changes since I arrived, yes. It feels like yesterday and five and a bit years have gone by. I have learned a lot from many teammates and the captains I have had over that time. And yes, I do feel a bit of a leader now for the team.

During your time at Barça you went through the end of a team, led by Leo Messi, which won it all, and then onto a new era. How was that transition for you?
I have learned a lot through the different periods I have been at Barça, especially from players such as Busi, Jordi, Leo, Geri and Sergi [Busquets, Alba, Messi, Piqué and Roberto]. As well as their quality on the pitch, training with them was incredible, they showed me how I should be off the pitch and what I should do to help the team. Now it's time for me to enjoy it and try to pass the same thing on to the young players.

You missed out on playing with Iniesta...
Yes of course. I would have lived the dream by playing with him, but it wasn't to be, as he left before I arrived. It would have been amazing to have him as a teammate.

You have scored an average of five goals a season for Barça to date. You have scored two so far this season. How important do you think scoring goals is for the team?
I think it's very important. Everyone tells me I have to score more goals, that I have to try shooting, that I have to get into the penalty box. I am aware, I have to improve. My brother set me a target for this season, but I'm not saying what it is...

Is improving this aspect a personal goal?
It is, it is.

You always make the glasses celebration when you score a goal, in dedication to your father. How important is family to you?
It's the most important. I am here because of them and they have always been with me. They have helped me, they have seen all my matches and they have supported me when things haven't gone well. And they have kept my feet on the ground when things have gone well. For example, my brother is on my case about the goals. This all helps me to improve and to keep enjoying it.

You simply had to be an FC Barcelona fan when you were little as your entire family are. You didn't come through La Masia as a player, but your playing style is one hundred percent Barça. And you are one of the mainstays of the team aged 22 years old. Does your relationship with FC Barcelona go beyond a footballer simply playing for a club?
Yes, that's right. They put a Barça jersey on me when I was born. My grandfather and father were diehard FC Barcelona fans and they have passed that on to me. I am fan who is lucky to play for his team. I am living the dream and aware of that every morning when I wake up.