Spanish star Lamine Yamal loves comparisons to Brazilian Neymar, and even tries to emulate him as he possesses fast pace, close control of the ball and clinical finishing. Speaking to CNN, before confirming his stay at Barcelona, Yamal also explained why he has always idolized Neymar.
“I was five years old when I saw Neymar at Santos, but I was seven years old when I saw him in person at FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou,” he told CNN. “It was incredible to watch him. Yes, it’s true that (Lionel) Messi was there which was also incredible, but Neymar was completely different. Neymar has always been my idol. He is a star, a legend of football. “
Yamal was speaking to CNN after winning the Emerging Player Award at the recent Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where he said he hoped to continue his tenure with his club, Barca. “I don’t know when (the contract will be signed), but I believe it will be soon,” the 17-year-old said. “In the end, Barça is the club of my life. I hope to renew my contract with them and stay with them for as long as possible. I want to play in the Spanish league. I want to play for Barcelona and yes, I will renew my contract. I will,” CNN quoted him as saying.
Asked if he believed the Catalans could win La Liga this season, Yamal told CNN: “Of course. no question. In the end, La Liga will be won against teams we have lost to before. I think it’s about focus. We have shown in important moments that we are the best and we will continue to do so.”
Barcelona last reached the Champions League final 10 years ago by defeating Juventus, where the famous ‘MSN’ trio, rumored to be reuniting in the United States, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar took them to their fifth European crown. Had delivered.
Yamal also told CNN that working with manager Hansi Flick was “different”.
“We’ve focused on adopting what they’ve told us and I think we’re doing it well. In 2025, we will give everything we have to win trophies, starting with the Spanish Super Cup, and hopefully it will be the best year of our lives,” CNN quoted him as saying.
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