Gavi talks heroes growing up and nickname

On Monday, Gavi received the Kopa Trophy and on Friday he won the Golden Boy award, which will be awarded on November 7 in Turin.

In an interview with France Football, the Andalusian midfielder revealed who his childhood idols were growing up. The 18-year-old was a big fan of Spanish football legend Andrés Iniesta and former Real Madrid player and fellow Andalusian Isco.

On how his nickname came about

“People think it’s because of my full name ‘Pablo Martín Páez Gavira’, but that’s not true. In my first team, two of us were called Pablo, and to avoid mixing, the coach called me Gavi,” explained the Spain international in words transcribed by AS.

On Ronald Koeman

He had words of thanks for the coach who gave him his first team debut for Barcelona. “Koeman gave me the opportunity and I will always be grateful to him for what he taught me.”

At 18 years of age, his composure and attitude on the pitch never showed he felt pressure, but during the interview, he discussed feeling the pressure.

“At the San Siro before facing Italy in the Nations League semi-finals was the first time I felt pressure. I was very nervous and my legs were shaking, but as soon as the game started I felt comfortable.”

GSFN

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