Barcelona's teenage star Pedri hoping to stay with club beyond 2026

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Barcelona midfielder Pedro Gonzalez 'Pedri', who agreed on a contract extension until 2026, is hoping to be part of the Barcelona squad for a long time.

"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 told a press conference after the signing ceremony in Barcelona.

"These are difficult times. 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," he added.

The 18-year-old has a €1 billion ($1.5 billion) release clause in the new contract, while his new deal will run until June 30, 2026.

The Spanish teenager has netted four goals and made six assists in 56 appearances for Barcelona so far.