Lamine Yamal has revealed that passion for football, not money or statistics, is the main motivation that drives him to play. The Barcelona star, in an interview with The Guardian, spoke about how he experiences football and the pleasure he gets on the pitch.
"I don't play football for money, I play because I like it," the 18-year-old said, emphasizing that for him, football is above all about fun and happiness.
Yamal has shown that he is not obsessed with goals or assists and that excessive focus on statistics can take away from players' enjoyment of the game.
"Players who are obsessed with goals or assists are not happy," he declared.
The Barcelona forward also explained the moments that give him the most pleasure during a match. Dribbling, one- or two-touch combinations and creating a chance for a teammate are among the things he values most.
"I play for fun, to dribble, to play with one touch, two touches, to enable a teammate who hasn't scored to score. For happiness," Yamal said.
At a time when modern football is increasingly associated with large contracts, bonuses and individual statistics, Yamali's statement shows another approach of the Barcelona talent, who despite his young age has become one of the main players of the Catalan club and the Spanish national team.
