Pedri trialled with Real Madrid's academy while with Las Palmas, but lasted less than a week before being sent home. A year later and he was signing forms with Barca.
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Away with Spain this week, Pedri recalled to Onda Cero: "The test in Valdebebas was strange; they told me I didn't show the level they wanted and I was sent home."
Pedri also admitted his time with Barca hasn't always been in the ascendent. He concedes he struggled to handle the media spotlight in his early years.
"Many things were said about me that were lies, that I went out a lot and that's why I got injured... These are things that hurt," he said.
"Anyone can say anything and people believe it; It makes me angry because they are lies. With work then mouths shut..."