Barcelona star Lamine Yamal talked about this summer’s World Cup and his life off the pitch in an interview.
Spain have been drawn in Group H of this summer’s World Cup, with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay as their group opponents.
There is still a long way to go, but we share the same dream as all Spanish people. We want to win the World Cup and give everything for our country.
Spain’s third World Cup group match will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico.
I think we’ll have to try some tacos then – I’ve never been to Mexico before.
You once said you were taking cooking classes, but you’ve given up now?
Actually, I quit cooking classes because it wasn’t my interest. My cooking skills? Really, really bad, haha… I can make you chicken and potatoes at most.
What do you do off the pitch?
I do what any 18-year-old boy does: hang out with friends, look after my little brother, play games, go for walks… stuff like that.
You’re already a key player for Barça and Spain – how do you escape the pressure of matches?
I try to stay with my friends and live my own life. I try not to focus only on football and games. I don’t watch videos of the full-backs I’ll face, not at all. I try to enjoy every day and give my all on the pitch. But after leaving the pitch, I want to stay away from football as much as possible.
You’re world-famous at 18, which stops you from doing normal things. What would your whole day be like if you weren’t famous?
First, I’d have breakfast on the outdoor terrace, play football in the park in the afternoon, near the Rocafonda neighbourhood. Then I’d ride my bike or scooter with friends. Just normal things.
What games did you love in childhood?
At school we played Pokémon cards, sometimes Nintendo games too, but mostly cards. Because we couldn’t afford a PlayStation or Nintendo console when we were little. My friends and I played with 1-euro cards in the yard.
Your favourite Pokémon?
Zygarde.
Pick one teammate for Pikachu and one for Charizard.
Dani Olmo for Pikachu – they’re both blonde. As for Charizard? Hmm… Wojciech Szczęsny, I don’t know why, but he just popped into my head because he has that aura.
