Pedri speaks following historic debut for Spain at the Euros

Barcelona’s budding superstar Pedri Gonzalez made history for the Spanish national team on Monday night. He became the youngest ever player to represent the country at the European Championships, breaking the record of Miguel Tendillo, standing since 1980.

The Canarian midfielder was just 18 years, 6 months and 18 days of age when he was named by former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique in La Furia Roja’s starting lineup against Sweden in their inaugural match of the Euro 2020 campaign.

Pedri, almost an entire year younger than Tendillo, a former Real Madrid and Valencia star, made a great impression in his first match at the tournament, with a pass success rate of 92%, being heavily involved in the buildup of many of the chances Spain fashioned against the Swedes.

Unfortunately for the former champions, a lack of clinicality in front of goal meant they only walked away with a point against Sweden. Nevertheless, Pedri took the time to speak to the media after the game, expressing his delight at playing for his country and breaking a record like this to Telecinco.

“I’m a little happy for the debut, which is the dream of any child, but sad for the draw after having played a great game and having created many chances,” began the teenager.

Speaking about the team’s failure to convert their chances, he said: “We have to follow this dynamic. If we continue playing like this, having the ball and creating chances, surely the goal will end up coming.”

Striker Alvaro Morata was one of the key culprits as he missed an easy chance to put Spain ahead, but the Barcelona youngster jumped to his defense, as did all his other teammates, saying that better things are sure to come.

“We will work well on the video and prepare for the next match. We can all fail, a striker is a person and everyone has off days,” Pedri concluded.