Pedri hails Ferran Torres’ World Cup final role and “incredible” welcome in China

Pedri says Ferran Torres “deserved” to score Spain’s World Cup-winning goal and revealed he remains “immensely proud” to wear the national team shirt bearing two stars, as he reflected on his triumph and his current visit to China.

The Barcelona midfielder helped Spain lift the World Cup with a 1-0 victory in the final, a match in which Ferran Torres struck the decisive goal to secure the title.

Explaining why he chose to celebrate so emotionally with his international team-mate at full-time, Pedri said: “The main reason I celebrated with Ferran Torres is that he scored the winning goal. He has been on the end of a lot of criticism, and I think he deserves this.”

The 21-year-old also underlined how Spain’s trademark possession-based style was central to their success at the tournament.

“All the players who stand out in Spain like to play football using tiki-taka,” he told reporters. “We want to keep the ball and dominate possession. I believe that’s very important for us to feel comfortable during the match.”

Pride in Spain’s World Cup triumph

Spain’s victory delivered a World Cup title for Pedri at a young age, and the midfielder admitted the achievement is something he continues to savour on and off the pitch.

“I am still wearing the Spain shirt with the two stars on it with great pride after winning the World Cup,” he said. “It is an achievement that will remain etched in my memory.”

Pedri featured in all eight of Spain’s matches at the tournament, starting throughout their campaign but finishing without a goal or an assist. Despite not contributing directly to the scoresheet, he was a central figure in Spain’s midfield, tasked with dictating play in keeping with the team’s possession-heavy identity.

“I didn’t expect this love” – Pedri on China trip

Away from football, Pedri is currently on holiday in China, and he admitted to being taken aback by the reception from local fans during his trip.

“I feel very happy with this wonderful reception in China,” he said. “I didn’t expect all this love, and I thank everyone for their support and affection.”

The Barcelona player is using his time off to explore the country with those closest to him.

“I’m happy with this visit,” he added. “For example, we have just visited the temple, which is something I really liked.”

He continued: “I am enjoying my holiday in China with my family and my partner, and I’m trying to use the time to visit the main landmarks and learn about Chinese culture.”

Pedri’s comments underline both his attachment to Spain’s distinctive way of playing and his appreciation of Ferran Torres’ resilience in the face of criticism, as well as offering a glimpse into how one of Spain’s World Cup winners is spending a rare break from elite football.