Barcelona midfield star Pedri has been very public about his close relationship with his father throughout his time at the club.
In fact, the duo have a beautiful tradition when Pedri wins a trophy, with his father standing in goal and the midfielder taking a penalty to commemorate the moment.
The reason for this is that the Barça captain’s father aspired to become a goalkeeper while growing up and is now vicariously living his dream of playing professional football through his son.
Pedri has now opened up on the role his family played in his journey to Barcelona, revealing that one of the first things he did after beginning to earn money at the club was buy his father a car.
Pedri used first salaries to help his family
As quoted by SPORT, Pedri explained that being able to provide security for his parents remains one of football’s most rewarding aspects.
“Above all, the money you earn is to give stability to your parents, so they can stop working, be calm and enjoy themselves,” the midfielder explained.
Pedri grateful to be able to support his family. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Pedri then revealed one of the first significant purchases he made after becoming a Barcelona player.
“I remember that with one of my first salaries I bought my father a car in Tenerife because it was needed,” he said.
For Pedri, it represented an opportunity to repay some of the support his family had provided throughout his childhood.
His father helped create his love for football
Pedri also credited his father with introducing him to the game.
The Barcelona midfielder remembers constantly playing football from the age of four or five, often alongside his brother, with his father regularly taking him to the pitch.
“Ever since I can remember, I’ve always been glued to a ball. My dad instilled that in me when I was very young; I used to go to the field with him all the time to play,” he said.
His family encouraged his talent but also made sure he understood that ability alone would never be enough.
“They told me I had qualities, but they always told me it had to come with work,” Pedri recalled.
“If you don’t work, you’re finished.”
Pedri’s father was also the person who told him that Barça wanted to sign him.
There were other interested clubs, but once Barcelona’s name was mentioned, Pedri had little interest in hearing the alternatives.
Barcelona through and through. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“For me, Barça is the best there is,” he said.
“It’s what I experienced as a child, what I dreamed of, and I’m not going to change that now for anything.”
A story for Barcelona fans
Pedri represents one of those very rare categories of players who have never been at La Masia but embody its spirit to perfection.
The 23-year-old took to the style of football at the Catalan club like a fish to water and has never looked back since.
The Blaugrana fanbase very quickly accepted him as one of their own, to the point that he is sometimes wrongly thought to have come through the academy.
The Spaniard’s game is often spoken about through his tactical intelligence, but this interview also shows the emotional side of his game.
Pedri fulfilled his childhood ambition by playing for Barça and, if anything, it is the club who are grateful that the best Spain midfielder of his generation chose to represent their colours.