For some, the weight of history behind the famous No. 10 sweater from Barcelona can be difficult for shoulder. Not so for Lamine Yamal, the newest owner of that iconic shirt.
“I am starting my journey and I came to win”, after the official announcement on Wednesday.
As planned since 27 May, when the Blaugrana star and the club agreed with a contract renewal until 2031, 18-year-old Yamal will be in the middle of Barcelona. The official signing of the contract was both a family affair and a media event.
The young man, only 18, arrived 25 minutes late to the offices of Camp Nou on the arm of his grandmother, Fátima, dressed in a light brown suit and different jewelry. Including a pendant with the number 10 on his neck.
In addition to his grandmother, Yamal was accompanied by his father, his brother, cousins and some friends from the Rocafonda district. Barça recently paid tribute to the young star in his youth neighborhood and used a mural on the field where he started playing football that read: “From Rocafonda to the world.”
Bustle gathered for Lamine Yamal
The AT Camp Nou event received an enormous amount of media attention, in which the journalists gathered en masse in the FC Barcelona store. Inside, Jerseys who mark the new '10', each priced at 134.99 euros ($ 157) each. Outside, under a burning sun, tourists, fans and curious spectators were hanging around in search of a photo of their idol.
Before he appeared before the media, Yamal said with the club's media and said: “What we are doing today is a dream I had since I was little. Both my family and I have been very happy. Barça has been my entire life since I was seven when I arrived here.”
“For all children in La Masia, reaching the first team is a dream, and I am the reach. My goal is always to win and continue to grow, although I am still very young. I am really looking forward to playing for the fans in Camp Nou. We will have a great time this year and we will certainly win.”
But during all his ambition he spoke the weight that comes to the iconic no. 10 sweater: “I don't feel busy. I am at the best club in the world. Messi has found his way and now I'm going to make mine, and the number 10 comes from Ansu [Fati]. I will try to make my own way. “
He also made comparisons with some of the other illustrious names that were presented to him. Lamine explained: “I would take everything from Messi; he is still active. I would take everything from Ronaldinho and everything from Maradona. I hope to continue his estate.”
He ended his appearance when he arrived, confidently: “I have not worried about criticism or praise unless it comes from my family. I can't be high if I am praised, or low when I am criticized.
'What did [Barcelona head coach Hansi] Flick tell me? That there is a double session tomorrow. My teammates congratulated me, but let it be clear that I play for Barça, but when I'm away from the Ciutat eSportiva, I enjoy my life and that's it. “
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