Since becoming a mainstay in the team, Yamal has emerged as a key figure for the Catalan giants. Speaking to CNN, the 17-year-old expressed his wish to continue at the club. ..Continue Reading
“In the end, Barça is the club of my life. I hope to renew my contract with them and to be with them as long as possible,” he explained.
“I want to play in the Spanish league. I want to play for Barça, and yes, I will renew my contract. I will.”
Yamal also shared which Barcelona star he has always admired, surprisingly omitting Messi from his choice.
The 17-year-old revealed that Neymar Jr was his favorite player during his youth, having first watched the Brazilian star while he was still playing in Brazil.
“I was five years old when I saw him at Santos, but seven years old when I saw him in person at FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou,” he reminisces.
Yamal acknowledged Messi’s immense talent, but emphasized that Neymar’s playing style gave the Brazilian a slight advantage over the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in his eyes.
“It was incredible to see him. Yes, it’s true that (Lionel) Messi was there who was also incredible, but he was something totally different,” he continued.
“Neymar has always been my idol. He’s a star, a football legend.”
Neymar departed Barcelona in 2017 after a stint that began in 2013 when he joined from Santos. During his time at the club, he netted 68 La Liga goals in 123 appearances.
The Brazilian winger achieved considerable success, winning La Liga twice, the Copa del Rey three times, and the Champions League once. Notably, he scored in the 2015 Champions League final.
In the interview, Yamal also spoke out about the ongoing title race in Spain, expressing confidence that his Barcelona teammates have the capability to reclaim the title from Real Madrid.
“In the end, La Liga will be won against the teams we’ve previously lost to. I think it’s about focus. We’ve shown in the important moments that we are the best and we’ll continue to do so,” he concluded.
