Barcelona starlet Pedri: I thank Real Madrid for not signing me
Barcelona starlet Pedri has offered his thanks to Real Madrid for not signing him so that could end up at the club where he 'always wanted to be'.
The 17-year-old, who joined Barca from Las Palmas over the summer, has already made an impact at first-team level despite his tender years.
With Ronald Koeman's side having endured a mixed start to the season, Pedri's impressive performances have represented one of the major plus points.
It could have all been different for the Spaniard had Barcelona's great rivals not at one point passed up the opportunity to sign him.
He explained to Cadena Ser: "I spent a week on trials at Madrid. After that, they took me to the office and told me I didn't have the level.
"I thank them [Madrid for not signing me], because now I'm at the club I've always wanted to be."
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Of course, a key part of the appeal of moving to Camp Nou was the chance to play alongside Lionel Messi.
On calling one of the greatest players of all-time a teammate, Pedri added: "You never get used to seeing the plays Messi pulls off. They all surprise you.
"Being able to learn from them is a luxury. Seeing the things Messi does ... he does what he wants and when he wants.
"Of course Messi is imposing, you see it on TV and on the pitch and seeing him in real life is impressive.
"Playing with Messi is a prize that life has given me."
The teenager went on to reveal that there are two players in particular that he has struck up a good relationship with since moving to the mainland.
He continued: "Above everyone, I get along very well with [Francisco] Trincao. We arrived at the club at the same time, and we started training together.
"I also get on with Ansu [Fati] very well. Now he has had the injury and he has to work hard to get as well as possible. We have become good friends."