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Jorge Mendes, the famend soccer agent, sat down with Mundo Deportivo for an in depth interview lately, throughout which he mentioned the speedy rise of FC Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal and his contract scenario.
Mendes, who represents among the largest names in soccer, together with Cristiano Ronaldo, has seen Yamal’s rise by the ranks at Barça from shut ranks and backed him to turn out to be the very best participant on the earth.
“He’s doing very effectively. Final yr, he confirmed he is without doubt one of the important figures, if not the principle one, in European soccer. He exceeded all expectations and has a novel expertise, extra expertise than anybody,” mentioned Mendes.
“He’s very younger, however he has a vivid future forward of him and all of the circumstances to succeed on the highest degree and turn out to be primary.”
Lamine ought to think about Ronaldo, Messi as examples
Mendes, who has guided the careers of many soccer stars, together with Ronaldo, spoke about methods to handle a participant like Lamine.
“Cristiano is a superb instance for Lamine and all younger gamers due to all the pieces he has achieved – a degree that nearly nobody has reached. He’s scored practically 1,000 targets, one thing nobody else has accomplished,” mentioned Mendes.
“Lamine has an excellent instance, not simply on the sphere but additionally off the sphere, in how Cristiano has managed his profession. At practically 40, he’s nonetheless competing, and that’s an excellent instance for Lamine.
“If Lamine avoids errors and is aware of what to do, and I consider he’s conscious of his obligations, he has all of the circumstances to succeed on the highest degree of world soccer. I don’t see anybody else together with his expertise. He’s primary.”
Mendes additionally mentioned the comparisons between Lamine and two of the best gamers of all time, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Cristiano and Messi ought to be examples for him – to not examine, however as a result of they’ve lived for and by soccer,” Mendes said.
Lamine ought to see Messi and Ronaldo as examples, says Mendes. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Photographs)
“There’s no want to match gamers; they’re from totally different generations. I’m not saying they’re completed, as a result of they’re nonetheless competing at their age, and that’s as a result of they’ve accomplished issues proper and brought care of themselves.
“That’s the instance Lamine ought to comply with; there aren’t any comparisons with others.”
On the subject of comparisons with Messi, Mendes as soon as once more affirmed that Lamine ought to comply with the previous Barcelona captain’s instance.
“Messi has at all times proven what a terrific skilled he’s, and he’s an unbelievable participant. He is an effective instance, for certain.”
On Lamine Yamal’s contract
Mendes has already said a number of instances in public that Lamine Yamal, whose present contract at Barcelona expires in 2026, will signal a brand new take care of the membership.
The superagent as soon as once more reaffirmed that stance, stating that the 17-year-old will stay on the Catalan membership for a really very long time.
“The Barcelona followers can relaxation assured that the very best younger participant on the earth, and the very best participant on the earth for the approaching years, will signal for Barcelona.”
Mendes added that Lamine’s contract extension would occur quickly, although he was unsure of the precise timing. “I don’t know when, however it can occur, and it may occur at any second.”
On whether or not the contract might be signed when the La Masia gem turns 18 years previous, Mendes replied: “I don’t know, however it can occur.
On Lamine’s growth
Speaking about how quickly Lamine has grown and the way meteoric his rise has been at such a younger age, Mendes remarked:
“I had the possibility to debate this lately. A participant who, at 15, performed his first match, and by 16, had a maturity that’s past regular.
“If you happen to didn’t know his age, you’d assume he was a veteran due to his particular expertise. That is good as a result of it reveals he doesn’t really feel the strain. He’s adversarial to it, and he has proven he’s prepared for the best ranges.”
Superagent Jorge Mendes. (Picture by JACK TAYLOR/AFP through Getty Photographs)
When requested if he had given the 17-year-old wonderkid any particular recommendation, Mendes mentioned: “In in the present day’s soccer world, there are lots of folks making an attempt to get near gamers, and what Lamine should do is concentrate on his work and Barcelona, and nothing else.
“He must proceed together with his previous associates and watch out with those that get near gamers.
“I’ve mentioned this many instances: 90% of gamers who obtain monetary independence, who don’t must work and find the money for for themselves and their households for all times, lose all the pieces.
Persevering with he added: “It’s vital to seek out somebody who can defend the gamers and advise them to keep away from the incorrect paths, as a result of there are lots of.
“They shouldn’t take into consideration enterprise however concentrate on their work, or in a yr or two, they’ll be nervous in regards to the cash they misplaced someplace.
“Lamine has all the pieces to be primary on the earth, and by staying targeted, avoiding sure issues, and following the very best examples, he’ll win all of the collective trophies and lots of particular person ones.”
