Atlético Madrid captain Koke and FC Barcelona midfielder Pedri had a great battle in midfield earlier this week, as “Los Colchoneros” left Camp Nou with a ticket to the Copa del Rey final in Seville. However, the two players have great mutual respect for one another.
Pedri was central to Barcelona’s huge effort to stage a spectacular comeback at Camp Nou, after the Catalans had fallen far behind following the first leg against Atlético at the Metropolitano Stadium. After taking a 3–0 lead with around 20 minutes left, the Madrid side managed to hold on in the closing minutes and secured their return to the Copa del Rey final for the first time in 13 years.
A day after the match, Koke’s wife revealed that the respect between the Atlético captain and Pedri goes beyond the football pitch. Beatriz Espejel shared a message on her Instagram Story.
“We especially want to thank Pedri and his family for taking such good care of León (Koke’s son) and me yesterday in Barcelona, as well as for the gifts. We love you, family.”
According to reports, Pedri had gifted his football boots to Koke’s son, writing the message: “With love, for León,” and signing them.
Before this gesture, Koke himself had also spoken very highly of the Spanish midfielder in a post-match interview with Movistar.
“Pedri is a machine. We’re lucky that he’s Spanish… he is the present and the future of Spain. He will bring a lot of joy to Barcelona and to the national team. Besides being a great footballer, he is also an extraordinary young man.” ⚽
