Lamine Yamal says his love for football, rather than money or personal numbers, remains his biggest reason for playing the game.
Speaking to The Guardian on Saturday, the Barcelona and Spain winger said he does not want to get carried away with goals and assists. For him, football is about creativity, enjoying himself and helping his teammates.
“I don’t play football for money, I play because I like it,” Yamal said.
He added: “Players who are obsessed with goals or assists do not enjoy. I play for fun, to dribble, to play one touch, two, to make a teammate who has not scored, score, for happiness.”
Yamal also spoke about meeting Lionel Messi, saying he went over to thank the Argentine for what he has done for football.
“I went to Leo Messi and said: thank you,” Yamal said.
“I just thanked him a lot for everything he has done and how he’s the best. I’ve always believed he is the best,” he noted.
According to Yamal, the moment was not planned for attention or publicity.
“I always try to distance myself a little from things that seem beautiful for show. The moment came from within. I saw him there, so I went to thank him for what he did for football, it came spontaneously,” he said.
The teenager said he wants to keep the simple joy and freedom that made him fall in love with football.
