Yamal: I no longer feel fear, and I cannot be compared to Messi
Young star Lamine Yamal, a player for Barcelona, appeared at the press conference for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan, where he spoke with great confidence about his aspirations, affirming that he does not feel fear despite his young age, noting that the entire team is ready to give their best to reach the final.
Regarding his first participation in a Champions League semi-final, Lamine Yamal said: "I feel a great excitement, and I look forward to showing what we are capable of in this decisive match."
On psychological pressures, he added: "I don't call it pressure; I see it as an enjoyable atmosphere, just like it was in the King's Cup final. I enter matches with the goal of enjoying myself, not feeling tense."
About his feelings before reaching his 100th match with Barcelona, he said: "I no longer feel fear, and I left that feeling a long time ago when I used to play in the Mataró park."
Regarding Inter Milan, he pointed out: "Inter is a very strong team defensively and excels in counter-attacks, but we are also an excellent team and will give everything we have to qualify."
On the comparison with Messi, he confirmed: "I do not compare myself to anyone, especially not to Messi; he is the best player in history, while I focus on my own path."
Regarding the advice of his teammate Raphinha, he said: "It was long and personal advice, and it came at a time when I needed support. Raphinha is a true leader, and I am happy to have him by our side."
About his upbringing in La Masia, he said: "Belonging to the club makes a big difference; a player coming from La Masia feels the jersey differently than one coming from outside the club."
On his level despite his young age, he continued: "Few have played this number of matches for Barcelona at this age; playing at this level at 17 is not ordinary, and I appreciate that well."
Regarding his future image, he said: "I hope people remember me as a talented player, a respectful and polite person; that is what I was raised to be at home."
On his opinion about Inter's standout players, he said: "Barella and Lautaro Martinez are exceptional players, and the entire team is excellent in offensive transitions."
About the last match against Real Madrid, he said: "We suffered physically, and our legs were completely exhausted, but our hearts pushed us to continue."
Regarding his first participation in a Champions League semi-final, Lamine Yamal said: "I feel a great excitement, and I look forward to showing what we are capable of in this decisive match."
On psychological pressures, he added: "I don't call it pressure; I see it as an enjoyable atmosphere, just like it was in the King's Cup final. I enter matches with the goal of enjoying myself, not feeling tense."
About his feelings before reaching his 100th match with Barcelona, he said: "I no longer feel fear, and I left that feeling a long time ago when I used to play in the Mataró park."
Regarding Inter Milan, he pointed out: "Inter is a very strong team defensively and excels in counter-attacks, but we are also an excellent team and will give everything we have to qualify."
On the comparison with Messi, he confirmed: "I do not compare myself to anyone, especially not to Messi; he is the best player in history, while I focus on my own path."
Regarding the advice of his teammate Raphinha, he said: "It was long and personal advice, and it came at a time when I needed support. Raphinha is a true leader, and I am happy to have him by our side."
About his upbringing in La Masia, he said: "Belonging to the club makes a big difference; a player coming from La Masia feels the jersey differently than one coming from outside the club."
On his level despite his young age, he continued: "Few have played this number of matches for Barcelona at this age; playing at this level at 17 is not ordinary, and I appreciate that well."
Regarding his future image, he said: "I hope people remember me as a talented player, a respectful and polite person; that is what I was raised to be at home."
On his opinion about Inter's standout players, he said: "Barella and Lautaro Martinez are exceptional players, and the entire team is excellent in offensive transitions."
About the last match against Real Madrid, he said: "We suffered physically, and our legs were completely exhausted, but our hearts pushed us to continue."