Gerard Pique defends Lamine Yamal – “Let’s not kill him”

In the lead-up to El Clasico, much has been made of comments made by Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal regarding Real Madrid, whom he claimed have “robbed teams”. This has led to a strong reaction, particularly from those within Los Blancos.

Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal intends to speak to Lamine Yamal regarding the matter, but according to Barcelona icon Gerard Pique, the 18-year-old should simply be left alone, as per Jijantes (via Diario AS).

“Let’s accept what Lamine is like. Obviously, you’re going to gain experience. No one is the same at 18 as at 38. Lamine Yamal is very special.

“That they criticise him from Real Madrid? It is understandable. They would like to have a Lamine. Lamine is special. We don’t know how long we will be able to enjoy him. Let’s not kill him. In today’s football you have to take care of yourself. All the players who are coming up now, experience football in a different way. But they take care of themselves. We have to accept it.”

Pique on El Clasico rivalry

Pique also spoke on the El Clasico rivalry that exists between Barcelona and Real Madrid, and how that relates to Lamine Yamal’s recent comments.

“If you lose against Real Madrid they always hit you. I don’t know what will become of Lamine. He has the opportunity to break with everything. Where did he come from, the merit that this kid has… it is barbaric. The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid has always existed. They have told us that we have stolen and we tell them so. The only line that was crossed was Mourinho’s finger in the eye to Tito. In recent years we have changed and Barcelona are good at these games. Real Madrid are not very good either.”