Atlético Madrid captain Koke and FC Barcelona midfielder Pedri had a huge midfield duel 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 a lot of mutual respect for each other.
Pedri was central to Barcelona's massive bid to make a spectacular comeback at the Camp Nou after the Catalans had fallen far behind in the first leg against Atletico at the Metropolitano Stadium. After taking a 3-0 lead with around 20 minutes to go, the Madrid side held on to their advantage in the dying minutes to secure a return to the Copa del Rey final for the first time in 13 years.
The day after the match, Koke's wife revealed that the respect between the Atletico captain and Pedro goes beyond the pitch. Beatriz Espejel published a message on her Instagram Story.
"We want to especially thank Pedro and his family for taking such good care of Leo (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 Leo", and signing them.
Before this gesture, Koke himself had very kind words for the Spanish midfielder in a post-match interview for Movistar.
"Pedri is a machine. We are lucky that he is Spanish... he is the present and future of Spain. He will bring a lot of joy to Barcelona and the national team. In addition to being a great footballer, he is also an extraordinary boy." ⚽
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