Pedri: Frenkie De Jong can replace Busquets

Here are some key quotes from his appearance on the radio station:

Do you like scoring goals?

Everyone likes it, including the goalkeepers. Arriving (in the box) and bringing goals or assists to the team is always good.

Was it your best goal?

Well, this one and the one against Sevilla I think were the goals that were hardest to score for how they were, but for me they are all important.

Return from World Cup:

We played five games in a row, which were very demanding, but we have had time to recover and there’s still time before the game against Espanyol.

Are you over World Cup disappointment?

Yes, I think some time has passed and we have to concentrate on waht is to come. We have to change chip and put ourselves back in Barca mode.

Lucho’s goodbye:

Luis has helped me a lot, he’s a coach who explains things very well. He made a good group and I think deserved more at the World Cup. It’s a pity, but now we are with Luis de la Fuente.

You had him at the U21s:

Yes, also at the Olympics in Tokyo, where we did well. A pity we ended up with silver. We hope to achieve things with him.

Is Messi winning WC a consolation?

I always said it, if we didn’t have the chance to win it, that I wanted Argentina and Leo Messi to, he deserves it and I played with him.

Messi WC performances:

For me he’s the best player in history that I have seen. There are few words you can say about him because it’s all been said already.

Dembele and Kounde losing WC final:

I haven’t had the chance to live it and if I get to a final I hope I win it, but I’m sure it’s a bitter pill. When they return we will support them to change chip and get back in Barca mode.

Xavi said Pedri and Gavi were better than him and Iniesta at the same age?

It’s true that they, at our age, weren’t where we are now, but later they were at a great level, spectacular, for me a lot better than what me and Gavi are doing right now. To get to where they got to, we have a long way to go.

Last year of Busquets:

Busquets is a key piece. I love playing with him, it seems people don’t see his work but when he’s not on the pitch we notice it. I hope that he stays longer.

Is De Jong the replacement?

Frenkie has a lot of quality, we have seen it when he plays with Netherlands in that position spectacularly. I think he could be a replacement.

Life without Pique:

Gerard was a very important person in the dressing room, he helped us a lot and we laughed with him, but it was his decision. He will have his new life and I hope it goes well for him.

Who will bring the banter, you?

I don’t know, I will, but not at Pique’s level.