Lamine Yamal has gone down in FC Barcelona history by becoming, at the tender of just 15 years, 9 months and 16 days, the youngest player ever to play for the team in La Liga.
"It was so many emotions at the same time" he says the day after coming on against Real Betis. "When I went onto the pitch it was amazing to see the Spotify Camp Nou. But I gradually got over the nerves and tried to feel as comfortable as possible. My team-mates helped me a lot too and I'm grateful to them. I am very happy to have broken the record, but I want to break a lot more."
Speaking after the Sunday morning training session, he added that "Xavi told me to use my first steps just to get confident and if I could, just to go out and do what I do normally. That's what I tried to do. My team-mates said the same kind of things and when it was over, they congratulated me. I dedicate this to my family, friends and everyone who has been there for me since the start."
On the way he plays, he said "I feel more comfortable playing on the right wing. Over the final quarter I am creative and quite skilful."
Recovery at Ciutat Esportiva
The morning after the emphatic 4-0 victory over Real Betis, a result that has maintained the team's huge lead of 11 points over Real Madrid, Xavi Hernández and his players took to the Tito Vilanova field to go through the usual post-match recovery routine.
They were joined by Julián Araujo and Pocho of Barça Atlètic, as well as the aforesaid Lamine Yamal.