Barcelona star Lamine Yamal says there is no such thing as age in football ahead of their semifinals first leg of the Champions League semifinals against Inter Milan.
The five-time European champions will host the Italian side at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Wednesday night.
Speaking ahead of the game, Yamal, who has Moroccan and Equatorial Guinean heritage, has dominated the headlines for the past year due to his exploits for club and country, admitted that it played a role against Los Blancos, and it was the emotion of the occasion that drove them onwards.
“It’s true that the last day was one of the days we struggled the most physically. In the end, between the tension of the game and knowing what was at stake, our legs just couldn’t give anymore. When you play against Madrid, your heart drives you more than your legs, and that’s what we’re having this season, and perhaps what we’ve been lacking in other seasons,” he told the media.
He also dismissed the idea that Inter might be impacted by a three-game losing streak domestically, noting that a Champions League final was on the line.
Much of the focus was on his age at such a large stage, as he looks to make his 100th appearance against the Nerazzurri.
“I think few players at my age have played as many games as I have for Barca, and I’ll focus on that. I value having the mentality to always be motivated, the consistency I have, and the level I’m at at 17, because not everyone can do that.”
At every stage of his career, he has brushed off pressure and made it clear that he had no fear about facing Inter in the Champions League semi-final.
“I haven’t had that fear, but I do have the motivation before the game. I left that fear behind in the park in Mataro a long time ago. I wouldn’t call it pressure. In the end, I go out and enjoy myself. I take it as a good thing, and I feel like I have to enjoy the moment.”
“In football, there is no such thing as age. If you’re ready, you’re ready. It’s a sport that depends on the quality and mentality of the person. We are at a very high level with a young team. Age is just a number.”
He was even asked about Lionel Messi, calling him one of the best players in the world, but confirmed he had not spoken to the Argentine, and did not want to be compared to the greatest in history.
“As a footballer, I want to be remembered as a player and as a person, and I want to be polite, which is what my parents taught me at home.”
