Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has once again shown why he remains one of football’s most respected voices, this time speaking glowingly about Pedri, the young midfielder many have labelled as his natural heir at Camp Nou.
Iniesta, who defined a generation with his grace and intelligence on the ball, could not hide his admiration for Pedri’s journey through injuries and adversity.
“I like Pedri. He’s an extraordinary footballer. I love him because he has a history of hard work and overcoming adversity. And above all, he has his own story,” Iniesta began saying.
The former Barcelona captain also expressed how proud he feels to know Pedri grew up idolising him.
“It’s something beautiful, and it makes me proud that he said I was his childhood idol. He watched my game. A reference. Who doesn’t like to hear something like that?” Iniesta said warmly.
The veteran then reminisced about his own childhood inspirations.
“When I was little, I also had idols who inspired me. Mine, as I’m sure you all know, were Guardiola and Laudrup.
“But I never thought about trying to copy them. I watched their gestures, their moves, their behaviour… to then develop my own authentic personality.”
Word of advice for Pedri
As a true mentor figure, Iniesta urged Pedri to continue writing his own story rather than living in comparisons.
Pedri of FC Barcelona
Iniesta has nothing but praise for Pedri. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
“Avoiding, of course, any kind of comparison. Pedri doesn’t have to be me. He has to be Pedri… being yourself is the most valuable thing for anyone,” he insisted.
“And he is. Pedri is Pedri. Capable of creating plays that didn’t exist before. He invents passes that no one has seen before.”
The midfield maestro went on to highlight Pedri’s unique maturity and tactical intelligence.
“He does things that other footballers cannot do. Because he is capable of providing solutions when his team needs them most.
“Because he is selfless and generous, always thinking of others before himself,” Iniesta added.
Closing his remarks, Iniesta made one final heartfelt wish: for Pedri to keep growing.
“My only wish is for Pedri to continue to rise because I am also sure that the best is yet to come.
“He enjoys himself. He makes us enjoy ourselves. He’s enthusiastic and has great potential. He’s at the perfect club to express all that talent,” concluded the former Barcelona captain.
Source: Mundo Deportivo