Pedri wins the Kopa award

Despite having been almost unpublished for two months due to injuries and the fact that some voices still do not see him at the high level that some believe, Pedri’s 2021 has been to frame and this is how France Football magazine has recognized him with the Kopa award, which is given to the best player under 21 years of age. With this award, the Barcelona midfielder crowns a dreamy year in which he has also won the Golden Boy award and in which he was chosen the Best Young Player of the Eurocup. The canary succeeds De Ligt, who won a prize in the 2019 edition.

“I recently turned 19 and this is the best way to celebrate it. Thank Barça, the people who have supported me, the captains like Messi. Thank you for what you helped me. I want to dedicate the award to my family. I want to give a special mention to La Palma, all support is welcome. Thank you “, he said after collecting the award.

Pedri has been key in Koeman’s Barça last year, with which he was champion of the Copa del Rey, and also had a prominent role in the European Championship, in which he was indisputable for Luis Enrique and ended up being named the best young player of the tournament. Besides that, his busy summer allowed him to reach the silver medal at the Tokyo Games, sensational credit to your interests and those of your team.

Excessive wear made the end of the year more turbulent. An injury and a subsequent relapse led him to stop for several weeks that in the end have become months, because until 2022 he will not be able to play again. In any case, The year is magnificent and the collection of individual awards that has accumulated explains it..

Pedri spoke to the media in the press area after having been proclaimed champion of the Kopa Trophy awarded by France Football magazine to the best young player in the world. The canary said he was very happy and thanked Messi, Mbappé and Lewandowski for their recognition.

Humility: “The truth is that I always try to take it normally. It’s true that my family has helped me a lot, my parents tell me to keep my feet on the ground and they give me a lot of advice ”.

What will you do after winning the trophy: “The day has been a bit busy from the trip. But I haven’t had a lot of time to do things. I have come here calmly and with the illusion of being surrounded by the best players. Very happy to win the award of a whole season of effort and sacrifice ”.

What does it mean to be applauded by Lewandowski, Messi and Mbappé: “It means a lot. Arriving at a gala, being surrounded by the best and applauding, for me is everything. Remembering La Palma is because I am proud to be a Canarian, they deserve help and any help we can give them is the best we can do ”.

When will he play again and if he has thought about how much he has played last season: “I never think about it because what I like is to play games and I am happy when I am on the field and, when I return, I have to recover well and time will decide when I am ready.”

Messi: “Messi has helped me a lot in the year that I have had him. I have really enjoyed your company and I appreciate everything you have helped me on and off the field ”.

How would you define its evolution: “For me my year is spectacular. I have lived it all. I have many very good experiences with me, I think I have improved a lot as a person and a footballer and I am grateful for the things that are touching me to live ”.

Vertigo: “I don’t have vertigo. I always think about working harder and helping the team as much as possible ”.

How much has Messi’s departure affected him in his career: “It is true that Leo is a player who determines a lot, for me he is the best player in the world. Personally, I think I have to try to improve myself day by day and do my best, helping the team in whatever way I can ”.

If you are looking forward to playing with Xavi: “I really want to enter the field with Xavi. He is a coach with very clear ideas. The key to settling down so well has been the captains. As a child I always watched Barça, I have been a culé all my life and that has helped me learn how everything is at the club ”.

Barcelona and its youth production: “There are young people with a great future, that helps Barcelona to strengthen its quarry. We are seeing it in the current squad and it is a pride that there are young people in the field, I think it gives a lot of life to the team and I hope it will always be like that ”. -Andrés Onrubia