Just turned 19, Lamine Yamal appeared before the media ahead of the World Cup semifinal between France and Spain in Dallas, and before addressing the match, he made his stance clear regarding the controversy sparked by Mariano Rajoy about the French internationals.
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Son of immigrants, Yamal was clear in his speech. “We are facing one of the most important football matches, there is no room for these things. But I can say that if football serves any purpose, it is to integrate society, and France and Spain are a good example. That is what football is for,” he recalled.
Lamine Yamal
“I give my best for the team, I don’t feel pressure”
This controversy, much more significant in Europe than in the United States, where football has continued to dominate the news, has not diminished the importance of Lamine’s highly anticipated appearance.
The star from Rocafonda tried to appear calm ahead of the match against France. “I don’t feel any pressure. I play as I know how, I won’t play better or worse, but what I have I put at the service of the team, always giving my best, and that makes me play without pressure,” he assured.
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Lamine revealed how he is spending the hours before the match. “Calmly, I arranged to meet my brother to get a haircut, and I’m eager for the time to come. It’s a very nice match for Spaniards and for the French, it’s something everyone was waiting for. It will surely be very close,” he revealed.
Spain’s number 19, coincidentally the age he just reached, wore a striking necklace during his appearance. “My father gave it to me, well, but I paid for it,” he joked with a laugh.
Finally, Lamine Yamal showed all his ambition for the last week of the World Cup. “Do I think about winning it? Obviously, yes. We all see ourselves as champions like in 2010, why not,” he wondered.
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