Pedri hoping 'to stay much longer than 2026'

“I want to thank the president and all the club. I am so happy and I hope to stay many more years after 2026”.

Pedri was speaking in the Auditori 1899 at the Camp Nou in a press conference after extending his contract with FC Barcelona. He was joined by members of his family and club president Joan Laporta who spoke of “the importance of today’s event for the future of the club. We are all very happy.”

The vice-president for sport Rafa Yuste and director of football Mateu Alemany also fielded questions from the media.

“These are difficult times” continued Pedri. “But we are the best club in the world and we’ll go on to achieve great things … All of this has happened very fast and without my mother, father and sister I would never be sitting here today. They help me to keep my feet on the ground and give me advice.”

On his one billion euro buyout clause, he said that “what matters is FC Barcelona’s plans rather than my clause, but it is clear indication the club has its faith in me.”

Alemany had earlier made it clear that “this amount is to make it quite clear that the player is not for sale and we want him to stay here for a long time.” 

Pedri also discussed his current fitness troubles. “I don’t know when I’ll be back” he said. “I’m very keen to return the trust by helping the best team in the world to win.”

He also sang the praises of Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets and Gavi, saying “it is a real pleasure to share the midfield with them and they make everything much easier.”