Mendes Defends Yamal: "I Don't Understand the Fuss Around Lamine... We All Went Through Being 18!"

Jorge Mendes, one of the world's most prominent and renowned football agents, who manages Lamine Yamal's career, has come to the defense of his young star. Mendes addressed the "fuss" surrounding Yamal since the start of the current season, particularly concerning his "private life" away from football.

In an interview with the Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo," Mendes was asked about Yamal's current situation, specifically his statements in the Kings League and his management of a groin pain issue. The Portuguese agent stated: "I don't understand the fuss around Lamine Yamal. We all went through being eighteen and were young. As President Laporta mentioned, we must support and help him as much as possible because he represents a great asset to the club."

Mendes added: "Lamine is the player everyone is talking about globally, and there is a consensus that he is a great footballer for the present and the future. Everyone's interest in him creates significant responsibility and pressure, and he handles it very well. We must continue to help him, and one way to do that is to focus exclusively on his work."

Mendes pays close attention to Lamine due to his quality and young talent, asserting that "Lamine is fully aware of what he needs to do on and off the field, and he is already doing it by focusing on working calmly and not talking excessively. He is a very intelligent and hardworking young man, and he is dealing with a physical issue, collaborating with the club to resolve it in the best possible way while continuing to play. He is a very smart kid and learns every day."

Jorge Mendes recognizes that comparing Lamine to any other player does him no favors, but he clearly points to models that can serve as good references for him, saying: "Lamine is unique, and he should not be compared to anyone. As he always says, he has to forge his own path, and he is doing that excellently. However, it is clear that there are players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who are role models for everyone due to their high professionalism throughout their careers and the heights they have reached."

He further added: "Iniesta is also another great example for young players. Lamine Yamal must continue to grow to become the best player of the next two decades, not just for four or five years. He plays for a great club like Barcelona, which is the best place to achieve his goals."